Trojans Complete Comeback for Win in Series Opener

LE ROCK- The Trojans completed the comeback after trailing 6-0 after three innings to grab a 7-6 win over South Dakota State in the series-opening game Friday afternoon at Gary Hogan Field.
 
Josh Nowak blasted his first-career home run in his 2-for-4 performance that included two RBI and two runs scored. Riley Pittman had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a walk, while Garrett Scott had a three-hit day of his own. Ryan Benavidez continued his hot streak with a 2-for-4 day.
 
It was a rocky start for the hosts as the Jackrabbits put up six runs by the third inning. Little Rock would respond, however, with four runs in the bottom half of the inning to cut the deficit to two runs. Benavidez led things off with a single to right center and Scott followed with a base hit up the middle. Trace Jordan brought Benavidez home with a base hit to right and then Nowak brought Scott home with a double down the left-field line.
 
Jordan would eventually score on a balk before Troy Alexander slapped a double to left field to score Nowak to cap off the four-run third inning.
 
Nowak stepped up the plate in the fifth inning and launched a two-run shot to right field to tie the score 6-6 going into the sixth inning.
 
The Trojans took a 7-6 lead that they would not relinquish in the sixth inning when Scott's third hit of the day plated Christian Reyes, who led off the inning with a hit-by-pitch.
 
The bullpen trio of Nick Perez, Hayden Arnold and Donavin Buck was superb in their relief duties, combining for five scoreless innings whilst only allowing four hits and recording seven strikeouts.
 
Perez took the ball in the fifth inning and threw an inning and 1/3 before handing the ball off to Arnold. The sophomore pitched two and 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball and only surrendered one hit.
 
With two outs in the eighth, Buck came on for the four-out save. The Brawley, Calif. native struck out three of the five hitters he faced to close the game out and seal the win for Little Rock.
 
The Trojans will be back in action tomorrow starting at 3 p.m., an alteration due to possible inclement weather, for a double header with the Jackrabbits.
 
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