Pine Bluff, AR — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions showed resilience and grit throughout opening weekend, closing out the four-game series with a dramatic walk-off victory to split the set with Lindenwood, 2–2. After weather delays forced the finale to carry over into Sunday and relocate to Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Blake Coleman delivered the defining moment of the weekend, driving in the winning runs to seal the split and give the Golden Lions early momentum in the 2026 season.
In Game 3, the Golden Lions recorded six hits and received key contributions throughout the lineup. Zyon Hamilton led UAPB offensively, going 2-for-3 with a double, consistently putting pressure on Lindenwood's pitching staff. Konner Giddley added a hit and reached base, while Blake Coleman and Jose Vasquez each contributed hits to keep traffic moving and create opportunities.
Defensively, UAPB was clean and composed, committing no errors and getting steady play across the diamond, including strong work behind the plate from Vinny Saumell and dependable infield defense from Trinidad de la Garza and Lazaro Alvarado. On the mound in Game 3, Kenney Fabian battled through five innings and struck out four, competing pitch-for-pitch and limiting extended damage. Brendan Hamlin followed with one of the strongest bullpen outings of the weekend, tossing four scoreless innings with three strikeouts to keep the Golden Lions within striking distance the rest of the way.
Although UAPB couldn't break through on the scoreboard, the late-game pitching and defensive execution set a tone that carried straight into the finale.
Game 4 brought a totally different kind of challenge, as rain delays pushed the game into Sunday and forced both teams to travel to Pulaski Academy's baseball field in Little Rock to finish the series.
The Golden Lions stayed locked in through the stop-and-go circumstances and leaned on a strong pitching performance to keep the game within reach. Ryland Morin delivered an outstanding start, going 5.1 innings with seven strikeouts while allowing just one run. Emerson Lott was sharp in relief with 2.1 scoreless innings, and Ryan Lamar handled the final frames with poise to give UAPB a chance to win it late.
Offensively in the finale, Matt Dworsky set the tone with a 2-for-3 day that included a double, while Konner Giddley and Aaron Grant added hits of their own to help keep pressure on Lindenwood. Trailing late, Jose Vasquez sparked the comeback with a clutch single, and the Golden Lions stayed patient and composed as they loaded the bases and forced the game into a moment where one swing could change everything. That swing came off the bat of Blake Coleman.
With the Golden Lions needing a big hit to complete the comeback, Coleman stepped in and ended it quickly—needing just three pitches to line a walk-off single to right field that drove in two runs and sealed the 2–1 win. The walk-off capped a gritty weekend and secured the series split, a moment that reflects the fight, composure, and belief this Golden Lions group is showing early in the season.

The Golden Lions host Stephen F. Austin for another four-game home series February 20-22 at Torii Hunter Baseball Complex.