ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The Ouachita Tigers defeated the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils 9-8 on Tuesday, in a midweek, non-conference matchup. The Tigers took the lead on a two-run single in the eighth by freshman Kyle Alexander, the first hit of his college baseball career. 

After Connor Reed held the Weevils scoreless in the first inning, Jace Melby gave Ouachita a 1-0 lead on a solo home run over the left field wall. Reed then retired the next three batters for Monticello in the second inning, but the Weevils scored three runs in the third to take a 3-1 lead. The inning started with a walk and a single, and two consecutive errors allowed UAM to score its first run. The Weevils then added a second run on a sacrifice fly and a third on a passed ball. 

The Tigers responded immediately, however, in the bottom of the third. Preston Speers led off the rally with a single, and Jakahari Howell followed with walk. Parker Norris then loaded the bases with an infield single on a bunt, and Justin Weigle cleared the bases with a double down the left field line. Ouachita then took a 5-3 lead when Weigle crossed home plate on a passed ball. 

In the top of the fourth, UAM added one run, but Josh Reeves then came in to pitch to retire the final batter of the half-inning and keep the 5-4 lead for the Tigers.

The Weevils were held scoreless in the fifth inning, but took a 7-5 lead over Ouachita with a three-run, two-hit sixth inning. Jordan Lawrence then stepped on the mound for the Tigers and later struck out the final batter to end the rally. 

In the bottom of the seventh, Ouachita pulled within one run when Speers walked with the bases loaded to allow Miller to score from third. The Weevils extended their lead to 8-6, however, after a solo home run in the eighth. 

The lead changed once again in the bottom of the eighth, when five consecutive Tigers reached base safely. Melby and Miller started the rally with two singles, and back-to-back walks brought the score to 8-7. Then, with two outs, Alexander recorded his first hit on a single up the middle. The single allowed Miller and Drew Feuerbacher to score and give Ouachita a 9-8 lead.

In the top of the ninth, UAM led off the inning with a hit, but Lance Cullum forced the Weevils to leave two on base to earn the win for Ouachita. 

Cullum (2-5) pitched the final two innings of the game, allowing only two hits and striking out two. Miller led Ouachita with four hits on five at bats, and Weigle led the team with three runs batted in. 

The Tigers (12-9, 7-3 GAC) will host Delta State on Wednesday, March 25. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.