LITTLE ROCK – Nine innings weren't enough to settle a classic pitching duel between Little Rock and Texas State as the two teams went into the 11th tied 1-1. But
Tyler Williams took the first pitch he saw leading off the 11th over the wall in left to give the Trojans the 2-1 walk-off win in the Sun Belt opener for both teams.
It was the first walk-off win for the Trojans since a 7-6 victory over Illinois State on Feb. 15, 2020 and the Trojans' first extra inning win since an 8-6 decision in 10 at Nicholls on Feb. 21, 2020.
Williams was just 1-for-5 on the day for Little Rock, but he made the one hit matter in the bottom of the 11th. It was the 12th hit of the day for the Trojans as
Nathan Lyons,
Miguel Soto,
Kenny Rodriguez and
Eldrige Figueroa all had a pair of hits on the afternoon as Figueroa,
Noah Dickerson and
John Michael Russ all knocked doubles.
Both teams turned in stellar pitching performances as Little Rock starter
Aaron Funk threw 78 strikes on 116 pitches in 6.1 innings, giving up one run on four hits with three walks and eight strikeouts.
Aaron Barkley came on to earn his fourth win of the season, pitching the final 4.0 innings and surrendering just three hits with three strikeouts.
Austin Smith and
Jacob Weatherley both pitched 0.1 innings for Little Rock, registering the second and third outs, respectively, in the seventh.
Little Rock got on the board first in the bottom of the third, getting Figueroa and Lyons on with just one out. A double steal attempt advanced the two to second and third, setting the scene for
Jorden Hussein's RBI single to right, scoring Figueroa and giving the Trojans the 1-0 lead.
Texas State answered back in the top of the fourth, getting runners at second and third off a walk and a double. With two outs in the frame, Funk was called for a balk, allowing the tying run to advance home, but Funk was able to get a ground out back to him to end the threat.
Both teams had chances over the ensuing six innings, but neither were able to take advantage of opportunities as the Bobcats left 11 runners on base while Trojans stranded seven. The Bobcats had a prime opportunity in the fifth, loading the bases with nobody out, but back-to-back strikeouts from Funk, followed by a highlight reel catch by Williams in deep centerfield kept Texas State at bay.
Barkley ended both the ninth and 11th innings with strikeouts, setting up Williams dramatic lead off walk-off home run. It was Williams' third home run of the season, measuring 354 feet and coming off the bat at 100.6 miles per hour.
Little Rock improves to 14-7 all-time against the Bobcats and 7-7 on the year. It is the third-straight time the Trojans have opened Sun Belt play with a victory, besting Troy 3-1 in 2018 and Louisiana 4-1 in 2019.
The same two teams will go at it again tomorrow afternoon at Gary Hogan Field with
Hayden Arnold slated to take the mound for the Trojans. Opening pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
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