Taylor Hodges, Sports Information Director

CONWAY, Ark. – A massive seven-run inning in the top of the fifth – highlighted by a grand slam hit by Collin McPherson – led the Lions (24-6, 13-2) to an 11-5 victory over American Midwest Conference opponent Central Baptist (14-14, 7-5 AMC) on Friday night in game one of a three-game weekend series.

It was a strong night at the plate for the senior first baseman McPherson, as he not only had the hit of the game with the grand slam in the fifth inning, but also tied the game up at one run apiece in the top of the fourth inning with a solo shot.

Zach Sanders also went yard, propelling the Lions to their seven-run fifth inning, bringing in two runs on the home run.

The Mustangs had a brief lead after going up 1-0 in the bottom of the first, and then after going down 8-1 following the monster fifth inning by the visitors, they added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth, making the score 8-3.

The Lions would quickly get those two runs back in the top of the sixth, as well as add one more. Christian Busby was the first to score after Bryce Lester brought him around on a double. Lester crossed the plate soon after when De'Mikyle Holmes put him on third with a bunt, followed by an error by the short stop, allowing the run to cross.

The third and final run of the inning crossed when Holmes scored on McPherson's sacrifice fly, giving him his sixth RBI of the game.

Central Baptist would score two more runs in the bottom of the eighth, but it wouldn't be near enough due to the Lions' large lead.

Freshman Alex Huey got the start on the mound and earned the win after six innings pitched, and five strikeouts. Tyler Duskin earned the two-inning save and also recorded five strikeouts.

The Lions and Mustangs will continue and finish the series with a double-header on Saturday. Game one is set to begin at 12 noon.