Lawrence, KS. - A Strong second inning helps the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (23-16, 16-6 SWAC) defeats Big 12 foe Kansas Jayhawks 6-5 Wednesday night at Hoglund Ballpark.
With the victory over the Jayhawks this gives UAPB a winning record (3-2) over power conferences teams from the (BIG 12 & SEC) this season.
The Golden Lions capitalized on two hit batters to open the second, and added two more bases on balls and three singles to break the game open (5-1), after Kansas (19-26, 6-9 BIG 12) jumped on the scored board first (1-0) in the bottom of the first off a wild pitch from Ciji Ramos.
After the bases being loaded with no outs, UAPB stormed back taking the first lead of the game (2-1) with Vladimir Gomez blasted a single up the middle scoring two runs. Sophomore Jerimiah Figueroa would follow Gomez with a double down left field line to tack on two more runs to make the score (4-1).
Ramos would soon get back in rhythm and pitched 5.1 strong innings giving up five hits, two earned runs and striking out three, to earn his second win of the season (2-1), as the Golden Lions held on to a three run lead before Jayhawks came storming back in the bottom of the 6th to cut the lead to two (5-3). All-SWAC selection Kevin Walsh came in the 7th inning, with bases loaded, one out to force KU Joven Afenir into a double play to end the Jayhawks threat.
UAPB would answered back in the top of the 7th with a single to left by Gabe Munoz scoring Rashawn Tillman, who got on by a walked and moved to second off a sac bunt from Roberto Colon to push the lead back to three (6-3).
Heading into the bottom of the 9th inning up by two runs, head coach Carlos James would call on his 6-5 left hander closer, Andre Davis who pitch in the mid-90's to close out the game. Davis retired the last two batters to end the game before giving up a solo home run to Conner McKay to pull the Jayhawks within one (6-5), but it was not enough for the comeback.
Davis picked up his fifth save of the season.
UAPB will be back in action Tuesday May 7, 2015, when they host Alcorn St. in a non conference match at 2:00 p.m. at the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex
