Arkansas State defeated the University of Louisiana Monroe, 3-2, in a close game on April 17 behind a strong outing from starting pitcher Andrew Allen and a save by Cooper Garrison.
The matchup featured solid pitching from both teams. Arkansas State starter Allen threw seven innings, allowing only three hits between the second and seventh innings. He was relieved in the eighth after giving up a triple, but Garrison came in to record two strikeouts and secure the win for the Red Wolves.
ULM took an early lead with four singles in the first inning that resulted in two runs. Arkansas State responded when Cason Campbell hit his fifth home run of the season in the top of the second inning, marking his team’s 59th homer this year. The Red Wolves tied and then took the lead during a productive fifth inning that began with Patrick Engskov’s leadoff double. After advancing on a flyout and an errant pickoff attempt, both Engskov and Kaden Amundson scored—the latter coming home on Lane Walton’s single.
In late innings, Arkansas State looked for insurance runs but managed only one more hit from Cougar Cooke in the ninth. ULM threatened to tie or take back control after putting runners on base through a double and hit-by-pitch, but consecutive fielder’s choice plays ended their rally.
Allen earned his first win of the season while Adam Brodnax took the loss for ULM. Garrison recorded his seventh save.
Looking ahead, Arkansas State continues its road series against ULM with another game scheduled for Friday evening.
