FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith scored five runs between the seventh and eighth innings to break open a close game to pick up the weekend sweep over Eastern New Mexico at Crowder Field Saturday, defeating the Greyhounds, 8-2.

Leading 3-2, three runs came across in the bottom of the seventh, with the Lions (8-10, 7-8 LSC) doubled their lead on a passed ball with the bases loaded. After a walk to reload the bases, catcher Dylan Hurt drove in a run with a sac fly before the Lions executed a double steal from first and third.

UAFS loaded the bases again in the eighth, scoring twice on an RBI single by outfielder Cash Balentine and a sac fly by third baseman Brooks Sunny.

The runs provided insurance for reliever Lukas Petross, who tossed four scoreless innings to end the game. The Greyhounds loaded the bases on Petross in the ninth, but he got out of the jam with a short flyout and a groundout.

Over his four innings of work, Petross allowed just two hits while striking out five.

Foster Pace got the spot start for UAFS, giving the Lions five innings on the mound. Pace struck out four while allowing two runs on four hits to earn the win.

ENMU nearly chased Pace in the third inning, scoring twice after the first four batters reached. But Pace settled down, retiring the next three batters.

UAFS recorded single tallies in the second, third and fourth innings, receiving RBIs from designated hitter Cooper Van Kooten, outfielder Logan Easley and second baseman Morgan Crenshaw.

The Lions knocked out 11 hits, two each by Sunny, Balentine and Crenshaw. Sunny and Crenshaw each scored twice, as well.

It is the first sweep for the Lions since sweeping a three-game series at Texas A&M International to open the 2020 season.