Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3 PINE BLUFF, Ark. - For the third time this season, Arkansas-Pine Bluff won a game at Torii Hunter Baseball/Softball Complex by the score of 6-5, this time over Valparaiso University in game two of the three-game series. In game one, UAPB surrendered a 14-7 loss and also fell 12-8 in the rubber match.

In the opener, the Crusaders jumped out on top 2-0 in the top of the third before the Golden Lions scored three runs in fourth inning off of a three-run shot to right field from Nick Kreutzer that scored Sergio Esparza and Ryan Mallison. However, Valparaiso scored a total of 12 more runs in the next four innings including a grand slam in the top of the seventh inning before UAPB answered back with four more runs.

In the bottom of the seventh, Kacy Higgins produced an RBI ground-rule double which brought in Ricardo Sanchez, and in the eighth Mallison crossed home plate off of a fielder's choice from Sergio Esparza. Kreutzer then brought in Esparza as he produced an RBI-double down the right field line. UAPB got another RBI-double at the hands of Sanchez which scored Kreutzer but the rally would end there with a 14-7 loss. Mallison and Kreutzer both finished with a game-high three hits apiece while Kreutzer finished with a game-high four RBI.

UAPB pitcher Peyton Burks (0-2) pitched just over five innings and gave up seven hits including five earned runs, and finished with three strike outs as he was credited with the loss. The Golden Lions finished with 10 total hits while the Crusaders produced a total of 13.

In game two, UAPB matched Valparaiso's two-run first inning with two runs of its own as Esparza produced a two-RBI double to center field that brought in Mallison and Jarficur Parker. After a Crusaders run in the following inning, the Golden Lions tied things up at 3-3 when Garcia picked up another RBI off a sacrifice fly ball to right field that scored Parker once again. Valparaiso answered back with two more runs in the following inning to take a 5-3 lead before UAPB stormed back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to seal the 6-5 victory.

Ricardo Sanchez began the comeback with an RBI-single to center field that brought in Kreutzer. Austin Toth then scored on a balk from Crusaders pitcher Trey Ferketic which tied the game 5-5. Daulton Horton then picked up the game-winning RBI as he grounded out to third which allowed Sanchez to cross home plate for the win. UAPB pitcher Tyrus Lopez (2-1) picked up the victory and gave up just four hits in six innings pitched, including three strike outs while Ferketic got the loss for Valparaiso. As a team the Golden Lions scored six runs on a total of just five hits while its opponent finished with just five runs on 10 hits.

The rubber match proved to be a high-scoring affair as Valparaiso once again scored two runs in the opening inning before the Golden Lions roared back and scored a total of seven runs in three innings to tie the game 7-7 in the bottom of the fourth.

In the second inning, Jacob Columbo generated an RBI-double to left field that brought in Kreutzer. In the third, Mallison produced an RBI-single to center field as Bradly Lopez touched home plate. Kreutzer then got on base via a fielder's choice and got an RBI as Mallison scampered across home plate.

In the next inning, Jar Parker roped an RBI-single to right field that scored Lopez. Esparza then yanked a three-run bomb to left field as Mallison and Parker came home.

The Golden Lions mustered up one final run in the bottom of the seventh inning as Davion White picked up an RBI off an error by Valparaiso's third baseman that brought in Sanchez which cut the lead to 9-8 in favor of the Crusaders, but Valparaiso scored three more runs including two in the ninth for the 12-8 victory.

Golden Lions pitcher Antoine Luster II (2-2) was credited with the loss and gave up five earned runs on six hits and had one strikeout in five innings pitched while teammate Thomas Sanchez gave up seven runs on 10 hits, including three strikeouts. UAPB finished with eight hits while the Crusaders produced a total of 12 hits. Esparza finished with a team-high three RBI's in the loss.

UAPB (6-9) returns to action on Tuesday, March 20 as it travels to Texas to face Texas Christian University. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. in Fort Worth at Charlie and Marie Lupton Baseball Stadium.