BEARS TAKE GAME 1 FROM LIONS

FLORENCE, Ala. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears pounded three home runs and got solid pitching from a pair of aces Friday night to down the North Alabama Lions 9-4 in their ASUN series opener at Mike D. Lane Field. Junior third baseman Bryce Cermenelli had a grand slam to cap a five-run fifth inning that put the Bears ahead for good. Senior first baseman A.J. Mendolia added a solo shot in the seventh and freshman left fielder Zeb Allen a two-run blast in the eighth to help the Bears (18-22, 8-11) win their fourth consecutive ASUN game. On...