MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Little Rock jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first, and this time the Trojans were able to shut the door on host Memphis, defeating the Tigers 4-1 Saturday at FedEx Park. The win evens Little Rock's season record at 8-8 as the Trojans take their first road series of the year.
After splitting Friday's doubleheader, Little Rock was locked in early in its 1 p.m. game against Memphis, racing out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first.
Marcus Ragan knocked a single to center on the first pitch of the game, then
Riley Pittman was hit by a pitch, putting two on for the Trojans.
Troy Alexander then took advantage, ripping a double to center to score both runs, giving Little Rock the early 2-0 lead. It was Alexander's seventh double and 18th and 19th RBI on the season, both of which lead the Trojans.
Memphis answered back with a run in the bottom of the first, registering a pair of doubles to cut Little Rock's lead in half at 2-1. But starter
Cole Townsend left a pair of Tigers stranded, keeping Little Rock on top. Townsend would last 5.1 innings, limiting the Tigers to just the one run on three hits with four strikeouts, upping his season record to 3-0.
The 2-1 lead for Little Rock remained intact for the next six innings as both teams threatened but were unable to bring another run across the plate. That changed in the top of the seventh when the first two Trojan batters got on base, courtesy of a hit-by-pitch on
Christian Reyes and
Chase Coker taking a five-pitch walk.
With two on and one out, Pittman knocked a single to right field to bring home Reyes and up the Trojans' lead to 3-1.
Matt Merino then drew a five-pitch walk to load the bases for Alexander, who took a five-pitch walk of his own, giving him his 20th RBI of the season as Coker trotted home for the insurance run.
That was all reliever
Donavin Buck needed as he pitched the final 3.1 innings, limiting the Tigers to just two hits with four strikeouts to earn his first save of the season.
At the plate, Pittman and Coker both registered a pair of hits with Pittman adding his 11th RBI of the season. Alexander finished 1-of-2 with three RBI and three walks with Ragan and
Eldrige Figueroa recording hits on the day.
After four-straight games on the road, Little Rock now returns home for a Tuesday afternoon game before heading back on the road to begin Sun Belt Conference play. The Trojans welcome Louisiana Tech to Little Rock for a 4 p.m. first pitch Tuesday at
Gary Hogan Field.
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