The 2026 edition of the Governor's I-40 Showdown between the Little Rock and Central Arkansas baseball programs takes place this weekend, with the first two games set for Friday in Conway before the series shifts to Gary Hogan Field for Sunday's finale.
Due to the weekend forecast, the series will now begin with a Friday doubleheader at Bear Stadium starting at 2 p.m. The teams will have Saturday off before heading to Little Rock for the third game Sunday at 1 p.m.
As of this writing, Friday's first game at Bear Stadium will not be streamed. The second game (approximately 6 p.m.) will be available on ESPN+. Sunday's game in Little Rock will also stream on ESPN+ and air on 106.7 FM Buz2.
Game Info
Who: Little Rock (6-6) vs. Central Arkansas (8-5)
When: March 6 & 8
Where: Bear Stadium (Friday) & Gary Hogan Field (Sunday)
Video: ESPN+ (Games 2-3 only)
Radio: 106.7 FM Buz 2 (Game 3 only)
Live Stats: LRTrojans.com
Coach Speak
"It's always a battle with UCA. Nick Harlan is a great pitching developer, and they always have strong pitching. They throw strikes and don't walk batters. They attack with fastball command," head coach
Chris Curry said. "Historically, they play great defense. Their offense is more of a manufacturing type — they want to pressure opponents and force them to make a play. They've recruited well and have some guys with power."
Series History
• Little Rock leads the all-time series, 37-24.
• The Trojans have won the previous two meetings and seven of the last eight overall.
• Little Rock is 19-12 at home in the series and 14-10 on the road.
Scouting the Bears
• Hunter Alexander ranks among the nation's leaders with four saves. In six appearances, he has posted a 0.84 ERA, allowing seven hits and one run with 14 strikeouts in 10.2 innings.
• Zeb Allen is hitting .357 and leads the Bears in runs (15), hits (20), and home runs (4). He has driven in 14 runs and is slugging .589.
• Jack Runsick leads the Bears with 16 RBI on 13 hits.
• UCA finished 20-35 last season.
Trojan Report
•
Kade Smith and
Cade Martin continue to swing hot bats. Smith is hitting a team-best .447, while Martin is batting .421.
•
Easton Roe continues to produce since becoming a regular in the lineup. Roe is hitting .391 and slugging .783, with five extra-base hits.
• The Trojans have 43 extra-base hits in 12 games, including 24 doubles and 16 home runs.
• The defensive play of
Jerdy Lopez has been a highlight through 12 games. The junior shortstop owns a 1.000 fielding percentage on 44 chances and has helped turn eight double plays.
•
Josh Beezley has emerged as the Trojans' most effective bullpen arm, posting a 1.23 ERA over five appearances with one save.
