STARKVILLE, Miss., No. 3 Mississippi State rallied with two runs in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings but the Diamond Dogs were unable to avoid their first loss of the season.

MSU could not overcome nine walks, six hit batters and two errors as Central Arkansas became the first team to best the Bulldogs 7-5 in 10 innings.

"It's a credit to (Central Arkansas)," said MSU skipper John Cohen. "There's a reason they've won 13 ball games and are a good ball club. There's a reason why coming in they led the nation in scoring, walks and HBP's (hit by pitches). They are a good club and we've got to come back out tomorrow and do whatever we can to win the series.

The loss snapped State's 17-game winning streak to start the season which ranks as the second most all-time in school history.

The Diamond Dogs gave up three unearned runs and allowed three UCA's hitters that were either walked or hit by pitch to score.

The Bears evened the series at one game apiece collecting nine hits on the afternoon. Blake Marchal led the way at the plate for Central Arkansas going 2-for-2 with a pair of singles and an RBI after entering the game as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.

First baseman Scott Zimmerle was 2-for-3 with two RBIs while catcher Michael Marietta was 2-for-5 with a double and two runs batted in. Left fielder Ethan Harris was also 2-5 and drove in a run as the Bears improved to 13-2 overall.

Zach Barr picked up the win in relief upping his mark to 2-0 on the mound. Barr tossed 2/3 shutout innings allowing one run and a walk with one strikeout.

UCA starter Jeffrey Enloe lasted 5 2/3 innings giving up three runs on six hits with four walks and three strikeouts.

The Bulldogs outhit Central Arkansas with 11 knocks on the day. Left fielder Demarcus Henderson led the way going 3-for-4 including the game-tying RBI single in the bottom of the ninth.

"I'd rather (the loss) come now rather than come back and hurt us later," Henderson said. "In all, I wouldn't say that it was a bad game. We kept fighting and kept coming back with punches."

Third baseman Daryl Norris was 2-for-3 with a RBI double while right fielder Hunter Renfroe and catcher Nick Ammirati were both 2-for-5 with one run batted in apiece.



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