LITTLE ROCK - Hits were hard to come by for the Trojans Friday evening as Little Rock managed just one run on two hits, dropping game two of its series against Arkansas State 4-1 at Gary Hogan Field. The loss drops the Trojans to 26-26 on the year and 14-14 in the Sun Belt Conference, securing the West Division title for Louisiana.
Ryan Benavidez and
Troy Alexander were the lone Trojans to register hits against Arkansas State pitcher Nate Alberius, who got the complete game victory for the Red Wolves. Benavides knocked double to center in the bottom of the first inning, then Alexander ensure the Trojans would not be shut out, hitting a solo home run to deep right field in the eighth.
But Alberius stymied the Trojans all evening, allowing just one walk on the night while striking out five Trojans. He retired 21 of the 23 batters he faced from the first through eighth innings, allowing just a walk to
Nick Perez in the second with
James Gann reaching on a fielding error by the Arkansas State right fielder in the fourth.
The Red Wolves jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second off an RBI double to center. Arkansas State then scored three in the sixth, using an RBI single and a two RBI error to short, breaking out to the 4-0 lead.
Starter
Cole Townsend took the loss, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits with four strikeouts in five innings pitched.
Donavin Buck allowed one run on one hit in 0.1 innings pitched before
Hayden Arnold provided 3.2 solid innings to close out the game, striking out four and not allowing a hit.
With the loss, Louisiana locks up the West Division title and the number two overall seed in next week's Sun Belt Conference tournament. Little Rock currently occupies the number six seed, a spot the Trojans want to maintain to avoid having to play in the single-elimination play-in game Tuesday.
Little Rock tries to salvage the final game of the series Sunday afternoon as the Trojans will honor their three seniors prior to the game. It is also Alumni Day as well as Gary Hogan Appreciation Day as the stadium's namesake will be recognized, throwing out the first pitch before the regular season finale. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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