FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Baseball tied the record for longest game played, playing 15 innings in game two of a doubleheader Thursday against Lubbock Christian at Crowder Field.
However, the Lions fell, 9-8, to the Chaps in the nightcap after dropping the opener, 3-0.
UAFS will look to even the series Friday when the teams meet for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
Lubbock Christian, 3, UAFS 0
Lubbock Christian starter Ayden Alger tossed a complete game shutout as the Lions were only able to muster two hits. The Chaps scored twice in the first and added a solo homer in the fifth.
UAFS got singles in the third and fourth innings from outfielders Brandon Ulmer and Michael Brinton, respectively.
Lion starter Brayden Johnson also went the distance, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four.
Lubbock Christian 9, UAFS 8
The Chaps led 6-1 after four innings, scoring five times in the fourth to chase UAFS starter Luke Davenport. They extended the lead to 7-2 in the seventh, but the Lions got a run back on an LCU error.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Lions put together a five-run rally to tie the game. With the bases loaded and one out, shortstop Matt Schilling doubled to right to drive in a pair. Third baseman Noah Davis then brought in a run with an RBI groundout, and a triple to right center by Brinton pulled the Lions within a run.
Infielder Dan Taylor then singled up the middle to score Brinton to tie the game.
Neither team scored for the next five innings, until the Chaps led off the top of the 14th with a solo home run. But the Lions had another answer, as catcher Junior Torres led off with a double. Two batters later, pinch-hitter Kade Brewer doubled to left center to drive in pinch runner Mason Dagley.
However, the Chaps pushed across another tally in the 15th off reliever Jakob Petross, who was in his fifth inning of work. The Lions then went down in order in the bottom half of the inning.
Brinton led the Lions at the plate by going 3-for-7 with a run and an RBI as 10 different Lions recorded a hit.
The bullpen allowed three runs on seven hits over 11.2 innings with 13 strikeouts.
