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Box Score 2 EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.- Little Rock drops the first conference series of the year after going 0-2 in today's double header. Trojans are now tied with Tennessee Tech, SEMO, and SIUE for first place in the conference.
Game One
In a heart-wrenching matchup, Little Rock clashed with SIU Edwardsville in the first game of a doubleheader, with the outcome slipping from the Trojans' grasp in the final moments. The game started with a burst of energy as
Ty Rhoades smashed a grand slam in the top of the first, propelling Little Rock to an early 4-0 lead, setting the tone for what seemed like a promising game.
Despite SIU-Edwardsville's quick response, Little Rock maintained the momentum, steadily building a lead to 6-1 by the fourth inning, courtesy of
Christian Bernabe's two-run blast.
However, SIU-Edwardsville refused to back down, mounting a relentless comeback with a two-run homer in the fourth and a solo shot in the fifth, inching closer at 6-4. The Cougars then tied it up in the bottom of the sixth with a 2-run inning. The Trojans would respond with a 2-run inning in the top of the seventh behind RBI singles from
Luke Pectol and
Nico Baumbach pushing the lead to 8-6.
Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, the game slipped from Little Rock's grasp in the bottom of the ninth. SIU-Edwardsville delivered a devastating blow with a two-RBI double, tying the score at 8-8. The Cougars then capatilized on the opportunity, securing a heart-stopping 9-8 victory with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth.
Game Two
In the top of the first inning, Little Rock faced a challenging start against SIU-Edwardsville. The Trojans got one on base, but could not jump to an early lead.
The bottom of the first inning didn't bode well for Trojans. SIU-Edwardsville capitalized on errors, with a double through the left side and subsequently scoring on a throwing error. One Cougar then reached on a throwing error, allowing another to score. The Trojans conceded walked, setting the stage for an RBI single to left center, extending SIU-Edwardsville's lead. The Cougars then launched a homer to center field, bringing in three more runs for. Little Rock managed to end the inning without further damage.
Little Rock responded in the top of the second inning with a 4-run inning behind RBI's from
Alex Seguine,
Jake Wright, and
Luke Pectol. In the home half of the inning, the Trojans shut out the Cougars to maintain the score.
The game would go back-and-forth for the rest of the game as Little Rock and SIU-Edwardsville would trade leads.
Ty Rhoades and
Christian Bernabe both hit home runs.
Heading into the bottom of the eighth, the Trojans held a slim 11-9 lead. The Cougars then posted a 4-run inning to regain the lead.
In the top of the ninth, Little Rock attempted a rally, but their efforts fell short, resulting in a tough loss against SIU Edwardsville with a final score of 13-11.
Up Next for the Trojans
Little Rock returns to action looking to avoid the sweep against SIU-Edwardsville. First pitch is schedule for 1 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
