Box Score JONESBORO, Ark. ? Arkansas State scored five runs over the final two innings on Friday night to overcome a 5-1 deficit and hand Arkansas-Little Rock a 6-5 defeat at Tomlinson Stadium. UALR junior Matt King went 3-for-4 with a game-high four RBI in the losing effort, but it was Elliot Jacobs' game-winning RBI double in the bottom of the ninth that proved to be the difference for the Indians (15-15, 2-5).
The Trojans (21-14, 3-4 Sun Belt) took a 5-1 lead in to the eighth inning thanks in large part to the efforts of King. With the game tied at 1-all in the third, King delivered a two-run double to put UALR ahead 3-1. King then added RBI singles in the fifth and seventh to push the Trojans lead to four runs, 5-1.
After surrendering just one run over the first seven frames, senior Trevor Clay ran in to trouble at the start of the eighth. Clay surrendered a leadoff double to Tyler Doke, which Jacobs followed with a two-run home run (his fourth of the year). Junior Adam Miller (6-3) came on in relief of Clay after Jacobs' homer, but could not protect the lead as the Indians tied the game at 5-all off a two-run double by Josh Allison.
UALR threatened in the top of the ninth, as junior Ryan Gotcher reached on an ASU fielding error then moved to third off a single by junior Brian Asbill ? who went 3-for-4 with two runs scored on the night. With runners on second and third and no outs, ASU's defense turned a crucial 5-3 double play off a line drive by senior Jacob Stover. Tim Egart (4-2) then got senior Derek Eilers to fly out to end the inning.
The Indians kept their momentum going in the bottom of the ninth, as Guy Brown opened the frame with a leadoff single to left. Miller was able to retire the next batter he faced, but could not get past Jacobs. The senior first baseman ripped a game-winning double to plate Brown and give ASU the first game of the series.
Miller took the loss after surrendering three runs, three hits and two walks over 1.1 innings of work. Egart got the win by recording the final three outs and working the Indians out of their jam in the ninth.
The two teams return to action tomorrow evening in Jonesboro with the second game slated for a 6:30 p.m. start time.
