Cameron divides twinbill, eyes series split today

FORT SMITH, Ark.—Cameron University’s baseball team exploded for seven runs in the top of the seventh inning to complete a 13-4 victory over the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith to give the Aggies a chance for a series split heading into today’s 1 p.m. final game of the Lone Star Conference matchup.

The Lions, though, responded with a 14-6 in the second game of Saturday’s twinbill to earn a chance to get the series win heading into today’s contest.

The hosts scored first in the first game of the doubleheader but the Aggies came right back to score four runs of their own in the top of the second and never trailed again.

Spencer Simpson got the CU rally going with a single through the right side and he advanced to second on a balk. The Lions got the first round on a ground ball but Max Garrett singled through the right side to drive in the first run.

After the Lions got a fly ball out, Holden Tate singled to left and Kody Bigford got a bunt single to load the bases. Lance Barnett responded with a double down the left-field line to clear the bases and give the Aggies the lead.

Cameron was back on the offense in the top of the fifth, scoring two more runs as Bigford and Barnett got singles to start the fun. After that Wyatt Grant singled home the first run of the inning and Hunter Smith got the second RBI with a single through the left side.

That would have been enough to get the win but the Aggies put together another big inning to erase all doubt. Donovan Borg got the rally going with a single and he scored when Grant hit a two-run homer to left.

Simpson kept the rally going with a single and Smith walked. Kai Hershberger followed with an infield single to load the bags for Tate who made the most of the opportunity to drive in two runs with a double. Bigford then reached on a throwing error that brought home two more runs and he scored the final run on a Barnett double.

Drew Durst got his first mound win of the season, working six strong innings while allowing five hits and three runs, two of which were earned. He walked a couple and fanned five. Lance Barnett pitched the seventh, fanning two while giving up one run.

Cameron was in the series opener on Friday against a formidable conference opponent but wound up losing, 7-5. Despite early setbacks, the team rallied behind standout performances from players like Spencer Simpson, whose powerful homer in the second inning ignited hope for a comeback. Although their efforts fell short in the end, players like Kody Bigford and Wyatt Grant demonstrated unwavering resolve, contributing crucial hits and runs to keep the game within reach.

Bigford led the Aggies with a pair of hits and Barnett had a big double to drive in a run and Grant hit a homer to keep the game close.