Box Score LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ? The UALR Trojans baseball team (2-9, 0-1) fought hard for nine innings against Florida Atlantic (7-4, 1-0) in the Sun Belt conference opener but fell short, losing 4-3. This was the only game in the series with FAU due to inclement weather on Friday and unplayable field conditions on Saturday.
Trojan Ashur Tolliver got roughed up early in the game. After striking out the first two batters, Tolliver allowed the next five Owls to get hits to take an early 3-0 lead. Mike McKenna jumped on a 1-1 pitch from Tolliver and sent it over the right field fence for a two-run homerun.
Tom Hatcher followed that with a double down the right field line and was brought in by a single from Travis Ozga.
The Trojans had trouble figuring out starting pitcher Jeff Beliveau for two innings but were able to break on through in the bottom of the third.
With two outs and runners on second and third, Trojan Matt Apfel hit a single to center field, scoring shortstop Zach Rowles from second base. Apfel was thrown out at second base trying to extend his single into a double.
In the top of the fourth, Daniel Cook singled through the left side of the infield, scoring Alex Silversmith to give FAU a 4-1 lead.
Despite the troublesome first inning, Tolliver settled down throughout his five-inning stint, striking out five Owls and only walking one.
The Trojans followed their success against Beliveau in the third with scoring in the fifth and sixth innings.
In the bottom of the fifth, Rowles doubled to left center and was brought in by a single by Greg McCarthy. In the bottom of the sixth, Brad Swiderski led off the inning with a home run to keep the Trojan hopes alive.
From the seventh inning on, it was pitching by committee for the Owls as four pitchers combined for three innings work. Mike Gipson got the save after striking out Rowles to end the game.
The Trojans were led by Rowles' effort in the batter's box, as he went 2-for-3 on the day with two runs scored. David Klumpp pitched admirably for the Trojans in the final four innings as he struck out two and walked one.
Beliveau finished his day striking out seven and walking four Trojans.
The Trojans return to Gary Hogan Field on Tuesday for a two-game series with Tennessee-Martin. First pitch for Tuesday's game is at 4:00 p.m.
