Trojan Bats Go Quiet in 5-0 Loss at Northwestern State

NATCHITOCHES, La. – Strikeouts and missed opportunities cost Little Rock in a 5-0 loss at Northwestern State Saturday afternoon at Brown-Stroud Field. The defeat drops the Trojans to 9-7 on the year, facing the threat of a sweep on Sunday.
 
The afternoon started with flashes of offense as Luke Pectol led the game off with a double before a single from Nico Baumbach created a first and third situation with just one out. However back to back strikeouts would end the threat and keep Little Rock off the board.
 
Northwestern State got out in front in the bottom of the second inning, scoring on a wild pitch with the bases loaded. Further damage was avoided courtesy of an inning ending double play, again with the bases loaded.
 
The Demons would strike again in the bottom of the third, collecting a pair of runs on a double that scored an unearned run and a swinging bunt single.
 
Both offenses remained at bay until the bottom of the sixth when NSU again scored on a wild pitch with the bases full, extending the lead to 4-0.
 
NSU would score for the last time in the bottom of the eighth on a double down the right field line and a Demon baserunner scoring all the way from first.
 
The Trojans had opportunities, leaving nine runners on base throughout the course of the game. This included getting multiple runners on base in five of the nine at bats for Little Rock.
 
Little Rock managed just four hits against four Northwestern State pitchers as the Demon staff combined for 19 strikeouts against Trojan batters. The Demons also retired the final 10 Trojan hitters of the game.
 
Baumbach was the lone Trojan player to collect multiple hits on the afternoon, going 2-for-4 with a pair of singles. The Euless, Texas native also stole a base.
 
Andrew Pickering and Aidan Garret showed good presence at the plate as each worked two walks in the game.
 
Chance Vaught aided the pitching effort for Little Rock in a big way, throwing 4.2 innings out of the bullpen while allowing just two runs on five hits, striking out five. This marks a career high in innings pitched in a game for the Mobile, Alabama native and ties a career high in strikeouts.
 
The Trojans will try to salvage the series on Sunday with Preston Davis scheduled to make the start. First pitch will be at 1 p.m. at Brown-Stroud Field.
 
For the latest information on Little Rock Baseball, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockBSB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
Get the latest Trojan news – including the weekly Trojan Report – delivered to you direct to your inbox by signing up for Little Rock Trojan E-News here.
 
#LittleRocksTeam