CONWAY, Ark. — Little Rock faced Central Arkansas in a doubleheader Friday at Bear Stadium, splitting the first two games of the Governor's I-40 Showdown. The Trojans dropped the opener 7-1 before bouncing back for an 8-2 victory in the nightcap.
In the second game, Little Rock (7-7) capitalized on three Central Arkansas errors to secure the win over the Bears (9-6).
"Great bounce back. It's no secret we've been struggling the last few games," head coach
Chris Curry said. "Our guys showed toughness tonight. Momentum in baseball starts and stops on the mound."
Brannon Westmoreland delivered a standout performance for the Trojans, tossing six scoreless innings while striking out eight. The right-hander scattered four hits and issued three walks to earn the win.
Nolan Freund led the Little Rock offense with three RBIs, finishing with two hits, including a double.
Ty Rhoades scored three runs and collected two hits with a double, while
Angel Cano crossed the plate twice and added a hit and a walk.
In the first game, Little Rock's lone run came in the opening inning.
Kade Smith walked and moved to second on a single by
Cade Martin. Cano then doubled to left-center, bringing Smith home to give the Trojans an early 1-0 lead.
Brigden Parker started on the mound for Little Rock and pitched four innings, allowing three runs on three hits while striking out two and walking two.
Malcolm Brown followed with two innings, surrendering three runs on four hits with two strikeouts and no walks.
Blake Van Cleve closed the game with two innings, allowing one run on two hits while recording two strikeouts and two walks.
Cano finished with two hits, including a double, and drove in the Trojans' only run of the opener.
Jerdy Lopez added four defensive assists.
The series finale is scheduled for Sunday at Gary Hogan Field, with first pitch set for 1:05 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and 106.7 FM The Buzz 2.
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