Anna 
The Abilene Christian Wildcats pulled off a dramatic late-game comeback, scoring six runs in the eighth inning to clinch a 14-11 victory over the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday at Crutcher Scott Field. The win secured a weekend sweep for ACU in a high-scoring battle featuring 25 combined runs and 27 hits.
ACU’s offense remained aggressive from the start. Second baseman Nick Arias led the charge, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBIs. Designated hitter Diego Cardenas reached base four times, tallying a double, an RBI, and three walks. Sam Hardcastle and Ben Greer added two and three RBIs, respectively.
Despite being outhit 17-10, the Wildcats capitalized on UAPB’s defensive struggles. They drew 13 walks and took advantage of multiple errors to manufacture key runs.
Trailing 11-8 in the bottom of the eighth, ACU’s patience at the plate paid off. Arias was hit by a pitch, followed by a walk from Cardenas. Hardcastle then reached on an error, allowing a run to score and cutting the deficit to 11-9. With the bases loaded, Grant Watkins and Maddox Miesse were both hit by pitches, bringing in two more runs and tying the game at 11-11.
Greer then hit into a fielder’s choice, but a defensive miscue allowed two more runs to score. Another throwing error on a ground ball by Louis Bussard capped the rally, pushing ACU ahead 14-11.
ACU’s pitching staff had its struggles but delivered when it mattered most. Starter Iain Campa lasted 2.2 innings, allowing four runs. Relievers Chandler Freeman, Blaine Palmer, and Cooper Hrbacek combined to keep ACU within striking distance.
The game’s turning point came when Caden Greanead entered in the seventh inning. The right-hander provided stability, pitching three crucial innings while allowing just one run on four hits and striking out four. His performance secured the win.
With the series sweep, ACU improved to 7-5 on the season. The Wildcats will remain at home for one more weekend, hosting Prairie View A&M in a three-game series beginning March 7.
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