Box Score JONESBORO, Ark. ? Arkansas State banged out 24 hits, including nine en route to eight runs in the first, to down Arkansas-Little Rock 21-2 on Saturday night. The Trojans managed just four hits off ASU starter Nathan Gates (2-2), who fanned 10 batters over 7.2 innings to lead the Indians (16-15, 3-5) to the win.
The Trojans (21-15, 3-5) took a brief 2-0 lead in the top of the first, as senior Derek Eilers connected for his second home run of the season ? a two-run shot with senior Jacob Stover aboard. The Indians responded by manufacturing eight runs off nine hits in the bottom half and never trailed again. ASU hit three home runs in the first, a pair of two-run shots courtesy of Elliot Jacobs and Michael Williams, Jr., and a solo homer by Drew Rogers.
UALR starter Shane Landry (1-3) lasted just 0.1 innings and allowed six runs off six hits. Gates, meanwhile, held the Trojans to four hits and four walks, while striking out 10 batters to improve his record to .500 on the year.
Brett Kinning led the Indians with a 4-for-6 day at the plate, scoring three runs and driving in four. Kevin Kull, Jr. went 3-for-5 with three RBI, while Josh Allison added four RBI off a 2-for-6 effort.
The two teams will conclude the three-game series on Sunday, with first pitch at Tomlinson Stadium slated for 1 p.m.
