LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Trojans led SIUE for much of the game again Saturday. However, for the second straight game the Cougars came from behind late.
They scored five runs in the eighth inning at Gary Hogan Field to take a 5-3 victory.
The Cougars' Ryan Niedzwiedz hit a grand slam homer to give SIUE a 4-3 lead in the eighth. Niedzwiedz hit a shot that went toward the left field foul pole. After a short conference, the umpiring crew ruled the ball was inside the foul pole and a home run. After a video review, they confirmed the call.
SIUE added another home run to make the score 5-3. The Trojans(18-24, 7-9 OVC) threatened in the bottom of the ninth with two runners on, but
Ty Rhoades' deep fly ball was caught at the warning track.
Little Rock senior pitcher
Jack Cline held SIUE(19-21, 12-5) in check before the homer in the eighth. He pitched 7.1 innings giving up four runs, with 5 hits, 3 walks and 4 strikeouts.
Ryan Geck totaled two doubles with 2 RBI. Rhoades was 1-for-5 with an RBI. Rhoades's single in the third inning gave the Trojans a 1-0 lead.
That's where the game stood until the seventh when Geck slammed his second double of the game scoring two runs making it a 3-0 advantage.
The series finale is slated for 1 p.m. Sunday at Gary Hogan Field.
