PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Arkansas-Pine Bluff opened Southwestern Athletic Conference play with a commanding 10-3 victory over Mississippi Valley State on Friday afternoon at home, using a balanced offensive attack and a dominant pitching performance to move to 1-0 in conference play.
Jalen Porter set the tone from the mound, working seven innings and striking out nine batters while allowing just three hits and two earned runs. He navigated through early traffic in the first inning, ultimately stranding two runners and keeping the damage to one unearned run before UAPB responded with a two-run bottom half to take the lead. Porter picked up the win to improve his record on the year. Jordan Medellin came on in relief and worked the final two innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two to close things out for the Golden Lions.
UAPB's offense was at its most dangerous in the middle and late innings. Zach Wieder paced the attack, finishing 3-for-5 with two RBI as the Golden Lions built their advantage throughout the game. Aaron Grant and Blake Coleman each delivered extra-base damage in a three-run seventh inning that blew the game open — Grant going deep for a two-RBI home run and Coleman adding a three-run shot, both coming off Logan Darnell to give UAPB a 10-3 cushion. Coleman finished with three RBI on the afternoon while Grant drove in two. Jose Vasquez reached base five times out of the leadoff spot, drawing two walks to go with a hit and crossing the plate three times to fuel the rally. Ian Smith added a sacrifice fly among his contributions as the Golden Lions consistently cashed in opportunities.
UAPB finished the game with nine hits and committed no errors, while Mississippi Valley State was plagued by four miscues that helped the Golden Lions plate four unearned runs. The victory gave UAPB its first SWAC win of the 2026 season and set a positive tone heading into the remainder of the series.
Game two of the series is set for Saturday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. at home.​​​​​​​​​