BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Little Rock rode the momentum from Saturday's win at Samford to a convincing run-rule victory in Sunday's finale, taking the series from the host Bulldogs, 12-2 in seven innings at J.L. Griffin Field.
Zach Busick picked up his team-best third win of the season with a strong five-inning outing, while
Kade Smith finished with three hits and four different players drove in at least two runs for the Trojans (10-9).
"After things didn't go our way on Friday, we talked about getting up early Saturday and flipping the momentum into our dugout on Sunday, and that's exactly what we did," head coach
Chris Curry said. "Momentum starts and stops on the mound, and Busick was outstanding. On the road against a tough team, we got three quality starts, and the bullpen was throwing strikes. Proud of our club and looking forward to seeing everybody back home on Tuesday."
The Trojans wasted no time in getting ahead of Samford (7-11) on Sunday, scoring three runs in the first, three more in the second, and two in the third for an 8-0 lead. The Bulldogs got within 8-2 in the fourth, but Little Rock responded with a four-run sixth to open a 10-run advantage.
Busick struck out three while scattering six hits and two runs, and
Trent Jordan threw a pair of scoreless innings in relief. Samford used a total of six pitchers who combined to give up 13 hits.
Smith doubled twice, drove in two runs, and scored twice.
Cade Martin had two hits and knocked in a pair,
Easton Roe had two RBI, and
Jerdy Lopez drove in two runs. The Trojans totaled five doubles for the afternoon.
Little Rock has a busy week ahead with five games in six days, starting with a two-game home series against Oral Roberts on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then a trip to Cookeville, Tenn., to open Ohio Valley Conference play against Tennessee Tech on March 20-22.
