LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock delivered a statement win Friday night, outlasting Eastern Illinois 7-6 in 14 innings at Gary Hogan Field to open a key Ohio Valley Conference series.
The Trojans (21-17, 9-4 OVC) showed resilience from start to finish, erasing multiple deficits before walking it off in the 14th against Eastern Illinois (21-12, 10-3 OVC).
Cooper Chaplain provided the final blow, lining a walk-off single to right field in the 14th to score Blake Simpson and cap a four-hour, 22-minute battle. Chaplain finished 3-for-5 with three runs scored, a home run and two RBI, delivering in multiple clutch moments.
Chaplain, a key contributor for the Trojans last season, has battled for consistency this year but delivered when it mattered most.
"I wrote on my bat with a Sharpie, 'NTL' — nothing to lose," Chaplain said. "I just went out there and played with freedom. I give all the credit to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I couldn't do it without Him."
Little Rock's offense was relentless, piling up 17 hits and seven runs while drawing seven walks. Simpson led the way with a career night, going 5-for-7 with two runs scored and a pair of doubles, while Angel Cano added a 4-for-7 performance with three RBI.
The Trojans struck in the third inning after falling behind 2-0 early. Cano delivered a two-run single to tie the game, and Nolan Freund followed with a sacrifice fly to give Little Rock a 3-2 lead.
Eastern Illinois answered throughout the middle innings, tying the game in the sixth before taking a 5-3 lead in the seventh on a two-run double from James Love. But Little Rock continued to respond.
Ty Rhoades drove in a run with a double in the eighth, and Chaplain tied the game in the ninth with a solo home run to deep right field, sending the contest into extra innings.
After the Panthers briefly regained the lead in the 11th on a sacrifice fly, the Trojans answered immediately. Cano delivered again with an RBI single to tie the game at 6-6 and extend the night.
From there, Little Rock's bullpen took over. Gage Haley was dominant down the stretch, tossing three shutout innings with four strikeouts to earn the win and improve to 4-3 on the season. He did not allow a hit and worked around two walks to shut the door.
The Trojans' pitching staff combined for nine strikeouts and worked out of multiple jams, aided by three double plays that erased scoring threats.
"This was a lot of fun," said Tag Andrews, who tossed 2.2 innings in relief. "I love being out here with Coach Curry and the guys. There is nothing like playing at Gary Hogan Field. It was great."
Eastern Illinois finished with six runs on 10 hits but struggled to capitalize, stranding 14 runners and going just 3-for-16 with runners in scoring position. Mike O'Conor led the Panthers with three hits and two RBI, while Love added two hits and two RBI.
Little Rock, meanwhile, consistently executed in key moments, going 7-for-16 with runners in scoring position and applying pressure throughout the night.
The decisive rally in the 14th showcased that approach. Simpson led off with a hit, and the Trojans strung together quality at-bats to set up Chaplain's game-winner, sealing one of their most complete and hard-fought wins of the season.
"We were able to get the extra-base hits tonight — the doubles and the home run," head coach Chris Curry said. "That was the difference."
The two teams meet again at 4 p.m. Saturday at Gary Hogan Field.
"It will be a much different game," Curry said. "The weather will be cooler, and we will have to grind it out. Both teams used a lot of pitching, so starting pitching will be very important. We'll be ready."
