FLORENCE, Ala. (April 17, 2026) — The University of North Alabama baseball team dropped their opening series game to Lipscomb, 6-4 on Friday night at Mike D. Lane Field at Bank Independent Stadium.
North Alabama (18-19, 10-6 ASUN) loaded the bases in the final inning after a Leighton Jenkins sacrifice bunt and a hit batter in Jackson Westmoreland. Down only 6-4, the final two batters went down swinging, closing the door on the hopeful comeback.
UNA is now 5-5 in Friday night games this season; this breaks up a four-game winning streak for North Alabama.
Lipscomb (16-18, 9-7 ASUN) took a lead in the seventh behind a four run inning after two singles with a juiced base path put the Bisons up 6-2. Lipscomb was led by their nine-hole hitter, Alejandro Ludeiro who had two hits and two RBIs for the night cap.
It was a pitcher's duel through the first six innings of play.
Lipscomb deployed usual Friday night starter Alexander Llinas, who allowed two hits and two runs with six strikeouts to conclude his day.
Llinas walked two runners in the bottom of the second; coupled with an error, a single and a sacrifice fly, the Lions pushed two across home plate for the opening lead.
North Alabama tossed Justus Agosto for five innings, who also allowed two hits and two runs with five strikeouts during his time on the mound.
After Agosto, it was the 1-2 punch of Gavin Oswald who threw 1.2 innings where he allowed three hits and threw a strikeout.
Justin Battle finished the final 2.1 innings as he allowed one hit and zero runs. The senior right-hander also had three strikeouts, all in the ninth inning to slam the door and give his offense a final shot.
Catcher Will Millard had some strong hits with his 2-for-3 day that saw him plate a run and bat another in. His counterpart, Wes Walker, went 2-for-4 with a run scored; Bryant Loving had two RBIs today. Jenkins used two sacrifice hits with one leading to an RBI.
The Lion defense held Lipscomb to .214 for the first game but allowed four hits with two outs to the Bisons. Millard was on fire today, catching three runners stealing at second.
Rippen continues to reach base safely, now extending his streak to 34 games this season.
Pitchers of Record
W – Alexander Llinas (2-3)
L – Gavin Oswald (5-2)
S – Kaleb Kantola (5)
COMING UP NEXT
North Alabama moved game times up tomorrow due to impending weather. The Saturday game against Lipscomb is now scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
