PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions wasted no time making a statement Friday afternoon, erupting for six runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looking back in a dominant 16-1 victory over Grambling to open the final home series of the season at home. The lopsided margin stands as the largest win in the history of the series between the two programs.
Kenney Fabian was masterful on the mound for UAPB, going the distance in a complete-game victory — one of the most dominant pitching performances of the season. The right-hander held the Tigers to just two hits over seven innings, walked four and struck out seven while allowing just one unearned run. Fabian improved to 4-6 on the year with the effort.
Zyon Hamilton was the offensive star of the afternoon, putting together a career performance out of the eight-hole in the lineup. The right fielder went 3-for-3 with a two-run single in the first inning to ignite the early onslaught, then delivered a three-run home run to left field in the fifth to blow the game open. Hamilton drove in five runs and scored twice on the day.
Shortstop Konner Giddley matched Hamilton's energy, going 3-for-4 with four runs scored and an RBI. Giddley was a catalyst throughout the contest, singling home a run in the first-inning outburst and adding a pair of hits in the fourth inning as part of a three-run frame. Left fielder Nick Hockemeyer reached base four times — going 1-for-2 with two walks, a hit-by-pitch, an RBI and three runs scored — and was a constant presence at the top of half of the lineup.
UAPB sent the game out of reach early, scoring six times in the first inning on a hit-by-pitch, two walks and back-to-back RBI singles by Giddley and Hamilton. The Lions then added two in the third, three in the fourth and four more in the explosive fifth to make it a mercy-rule situation. Aaron Grant contributed with a double and two runs scored, while Zach Wieder and Lazaro Alvarado each chipped in an RBI hit.
The Golden Lions improved to 21-29 overall and 14-11 in SWAC play. The Golden Lions will close the home stand on Saturday in doubleheader action with Senior Day festivities taking place in between games. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for noon.
