Eastern Kentucky University lost to North Alabama, 11-8, after a comeback effort on April 25 at Earle Combs Stadium. The Colonels trailed by six runs early but managed to take the lead before North Alabama secured the win.
The game began with North Alabama scoring six runs in the first inning, highlighted by Cayden Sheffield’s three-run home run. Eastern Kentucky responded quickly, with Dylan Littlefield driving in David Alvarez for their first run. In the second inning, Alvarez and Khaleel Pratt helped narrow the gap to 6-4.
Pratt added a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, bringing Eastern Kentucky within one run. Owen Barger tied the game at 6-6 with a single in the fifth inning. However, Wes Walker of North Alabama hit a home run in the sixth to regain his team’s lead.
Alvarez then gave Eastern Kentucky its first lead of the day with his fourth home run of the season—a two-run shot that made it 8-7. But Nash Rippen answered for North Alabama with a two-run homer in the seventh inning that put his team ahead for good.
Alvarez finished with two hits and three RBIs for Eastern Kentucky. Pratt also drove in three runs while Barger had two hits and an RBI. For North Alabama, Jackson Westmoreleand collected four hits while Sheffield contributed two hits and three RBIs.
The teams will play again Sunday at Earle Combs Stadium as part of Junior Colonel Club Day, which offers free admission and activities for children attending.
