The University of Central Arkansas Bears will be facing off against the North Alabama Lions in a three-game series to open Atlantic Sun Conference play this weekend. Due to construction on UNA’s home field, the series will be held at Alabama-Birmingham’s Young Memorial Field in Birmingham. The Lions have faced a tough early season schedule, including games against No. 25 Auburn and No. 1 LSU.
UCA, currently 5-9, is in second place in the ASUN Gold Division standings behind Austin Peay. The Bears are led by junior third baseman Bryce Cermenelli, who is sixth in the league in batting average and fourth in hits. Junior Blaine French ranks fifth in on-base percentage and fourth in walks. Junior right hander Charlie Christensen and junior closer Hunter Alexander are also standouts in strikeouts and saves.
In terms of statistics, UCA is seventh in hitting with a .265 average, while UNA is 11th at .207. The Lions are fourth in pitching with a 5.50 earned-run average, compared to the Bears’ ninth place at 7.58. UCA leads in fielding percentage at .979, while UNA is fifth at .967.
Game times for this weekend’s series are 4 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday. Both teams are ready to battle it out on neutral ground in Birmingham, as they strive for victory in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
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