04 Mar 2026 Bears beat Vanderbilt in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Central Arkansas (8-5) beats SEC member Vanderbilt (7-6) with a 5-4 victory on Tuesday at Hawkins Field. The Bears built a crucial lead with three runs in the third inning and held on for the win.

Central Arkansas started the scoring in the top of the third inning when Zeb Allen singling to left field to drive in Noah Goodshield. A passed ball allowed Jayden Sloan to score, and a sacrifice fly from Jack Runsick brought Allen home, giving the Bears a 3-0 lead. Score: 3-0 Central Arkansas after three innings.

Vanderbilt responded in the bottom of the fourth with a solo home run from Whitcomb, reducing the deficit. Score: 3-1 Central Arkansas after four innings.

In the fifth inning, Central Arkansas extended its lead. Parker Gwyn singled, followed by Allen hitting an RBI single to center, scoring Goodshield. Later, Landon Carter singled to right field, bringing Gwyn home. Vanderbilt added one run in the bottom half. Score: 5-2 Central Arkansas after five innings.

Vanderbilt chipped away in the sixth inning when Jensen scored on a single from Waite. Score: 5-3 Central Arkansas after six innings.

Vanderbilt added another run in the eighth inning as a pinch runner scored on Waite’s RBI single. Score: 5-4 Central Arkansas after eight innings.

Hunter Alexander closed out the game for the Bears in the ninth inning, retiring the side in order to secure the victory. Final score: Central Arkansas 5, Vandy 4.

Patrick Fernandez started the game and pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs, while striking out three, throwing 74 pitches. JB Williams took over in relief, pitching one inning and conceding three hits and one earned run, with one strikeout. Braxton Haywood delivered 1 2/3 scoreless innings without allowing a hit and recorded two strikeouts. Denver Hamilton pitched one inning, giving up one hit and one earned run, while striking out one and walking one. Alexander closed the game with a perfect inning, striking out one and earning his fourth save of the season.

ZEB ALLEN
– 3 hits
– 2 RBIs
– 1 run

NOAH GOODSHIELD
– 2 runs
– 1 hit
– 1 stolen base
– 4 assists

HUNTER ALEXANDER
– 1 inning pitched
– 0 hits
– 1 strikeout
– 4 saves

In their next game, the Bears will face Little Rock at 6 p.m. Friday, March 6 at Bear Stadium.