Box Score STILLWATER, Okla. – UALR built an early lead but couldn't hold No. 18 Oklahoma State off in route to a 7-6 loss at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium.
Ben Crumpton's four-hit performance helped UALR (13-17) outhit Oklahoma State (23-10). But, four errors and six unearned runs allowed were too much for the Trojans to overcome.
UALR produced its first two runs in the top of the first inning. Austin Pfeiffer drew a walk and advanced to second when Tanner Rockwell reached on an error. Justin Steelmon, who was 4-for-4 on Sunday against Georgia State, singled to drive in Pfeiffer. Rockwell came home on a balk by Garrett Williams to give UALR its 2-0 lead.
The Cowboys bounced back with a solo home run by Donnie Walton to cut OSU's deficit to one.
But UALR answered with two more runs in the second. Bryson Thionnet singled to lead off the inning and later scored on Drew Merten's hit to center. Hayden Martin reached on a fielder's choice and later scored when Pfeiffer reached on an error as the Trojans stretched their lead out to 4-1.
OSU opened the bottom of the third with two walks and a Trojan error to load the bases and chase UALR starter Chad Bradford from the game. Ethan Schlechte came in and allowed a sacrifice fly and a single to make it 4-3. The next batter singled to right, but two-base error in the outfield allowed two more runs to score before UALR could get out of the inning.
Bradford, who has been stellar in midweek starts this season, struggled working only 2.0 innings allowing three runs, one earned, on one hit while walking four.
The Cowboys capitalized on two more errors by UALR in the fifth and scored two more runs on just one hit and took a 7-4 lead.
The Trojans cut into the lead in the top of the seventh when Rockwell's double scored Crumpton. Steelmon's groundout moved Rockwell to third before a wild pitch allowed the junior to race home and cut the deficit to one at 7-6.
Schlechte worked four innings striking out three and allowing four hits and four runs, however, all were unearned. Cory Malcom worked the final two innings on the mound striking out three and giving up just one hit.
Crumpton led the Trojans from his leadoff spot going 4-for-5 with a run scored. Rockwell doubled, scored twice and drove in a run. Steelmon and Merten each had run-scoring singles while Thionnet and Joseph Paulino had the team's other two hits. Despite taking the loss, UALR outhit OSU 9-to-6.
The Trojans will continue their tough weekend with a three-game series at #3 Louisiana starting Friday at 6:00 p.m. Game two will be at 6:00 p.m. also with the series finale starting at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
