Wells Pitches Complete Game Shutout as Trojans Triumph Over Cougars

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock scored two early runs and sophomore Jackson Wells took over for the rest of the way in a 2-0 win over SIUE to kick off the weekend series. The win improves the Trojans record to 21-14 on the season and 8-5 in Ohio Valley Conference play.
 
Wells began the evening in dominating fashion, forcing a flyout to right field before back to back looking strikeouts ended the first inning to begin a streak of 1-2-3 innings that would last until the fourth inning.
 
On offense, the Trojans got after SIUE starter Tyler DeLong who had not allowed an earned run in his previous two starts. Alex Seguine began the game with a double down the right field line that caused the Cougars right fielder to crash into the padding. A groundout to the right side moved Seguine over to third before a single off the bat of Ty Rhoades brought home the game's first run which would also be the game winner.
 
Following a strikeout, successful pick-off attempt, and another strikeout looking in the top of the second inning by Wells the Trojans went back on the attack. With one out in the inning, junior Noah Brewer lifted a ball to right that carried over the fence for his first homerun of the season and in his Little Rock career. Brewer had come close several times in recent games, hitting a double off of the top of the wall against ULM, and was finally able to clear the wall for the round tripper this time around, putting Little Rock up 2-0.
 
The Trojans would load the bases in the fourth inning with two outs, but a nice running grab by the Cougars right fielder took away an extra base hit from Seguine to end the inning. Wells would keep the momentum in the top of the fifth by striking out two more and working around a two out double.
 
One big moment came in the top of the sixth when SIUE managed to get a runner to third with just one out. A strikeout of Brennan Orf, the Cougars team leader in batting average, on a 3-2 changeup followed up with a pop out to second ended the inning and kept the shutout intact.
 
In the next inning with runners on first and second and two outs, senior Jake Wright made a great play on a foul ball near the Trojan dugout, ending the push by SIUE.
 
Defense came up big once more with runners on first and third and one out in the top of the ninth with a ground ball up the middle. Skyler Trevino ranged to his right and scooped up the ball before making an off balance throw to an outstretched Christian Bernabe who managed to keep his foot on the bag to end the game and complete the shutout.
 
The CGSO was the first for Little Rock since May 19, 2022, when Hayden Arnold went the full nine in a 2-0 win over Louisiana-Lafayette. This was the fourth shutout by the Trojans pitching staff in the 2023 season.
 
Wells struck out a season and career high nine batters in the contest, scattering eight hits and not walking a single batter on 120 pitches.
 
Tyler Williams was the sole Trojan to collect multiple hits, going 2-for-4.
 
Brewer drove in and scored one of Little Rock's runs with his big fly in the second inning, going 1-for-3 in the game.
 
Little Rock will be back in action and looking to secure a series win on Saturday with first pitch at 4 p.m. Noah Burkey will be the starter for the Trojans going up against Jake Bockenstedt for SIUE.
 
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.
 
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