Things have changed a bit for Cendral Arkansas since they lost 23-9 to Little Rock on March 18 at Gary Hogan Field. That defeat was the second in a string of seven straight setbacks. However, the Bears have won six of seven since then, including taking two of three from Lipscomb last weekend in an ASUN Conference series.
The Trojans (11-19) travel to UCA (12-18) Wednesday for the second leg of The Governor's I-40 Showdown presented by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. First pitch is 3 p.m., at Bear Stadium. The game can be streamed on ESPN+. The final game of this season's series is scheduled for 6 p.m., May 6 at Gary Hogan Field.
UCA, who is 6-6 in league play, has gained momentum by sweeping a home league series from Eastern Kentucky and knocking off in-state rival, Arkansas State 3-2 at Jonesboro. That win avenged a 12-2 defeat at Bear Stadium a few weeks prior.
UCA Sophomore outfielder Zeb Allen tied a school record with three home runs in a 14-11 win over Lipscomb in the second game of the doubleheader Monday. Allen has a team-leading seven home runs, 10 doubles and 25 RBI. Bryce Cermenelli is hitting .421 with 20 RBI.
In the last meeting, the Trojans scored the most runs of the season in the 14-run win over the Bears. The 23 runs was the most scored by Little Rock since 2004 and is the most ever scored in the UCA series surpassing the 19 runs the Trojans ran up on the Bears in 1987.
Ty Rhoades was 4 for 5 with 6 RBI in the win.
The Trojans split a doubleheader with OVC foe Lindenwood Monday.
Cooper Chaplain was 4-4 in a 13-6 win in the nightcap. Chaplain also hit his first home run as a Trojan. He had five hits on the day. With three hits on the day,
Ryan Geck raised his team-leading average to .345.
Jack Cline picked up the win on the mound. He now is a team-leading 5-2 on the mound.
