ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Little Rock showed its trademark fight down the stretch, but couldn't cash in early in a 3-2 loss at Lindenwood Saturday afternoon at Lou Brock Sports Complex.
The Trojans (26-18, 12-5 OVC) tied Lindenwood with six hits and played error-free defense, but couldn't overcome key chances left on the table in a tightly contested game that came down to execution.
"I just told the team that game wasn't won and lost there in the ninth inning," head coach
Chris Curry said. "It was decided way before then with the amount of runners we left on base."
Little Rock manufactured an early run in the second inning and held a 1-0 lead deep into the game behind a strong pitching performance. But despite multiple scoring opportunities - including early chances with runners in scoring position - the Trojans were unable to fully capitalize.
"We had opportunities early - bases loaded with nobody out—and only came away with one run," Curry said. "We had lead-off runners on second base a couple of times and didn't move them. That's where the game got away from us."
Lindenwood evened the score in the fifth before pushing across runs in the eighth and ninth to take control.
The Trojans answered in the ninth, plating a run to cut the deficit to 3-2 and applying pressure to the final out, continuing a pattern of late-game resilience.
On the mound, Little Rock delivered a winning-caliber effort.
"You can't blame this one on the pitching - we pitched plenty good enough to win," Curry said.
Brigden Parker was sharp in his start, allowing just one run over 4.2 innings while striking out five.
Gage Haley provided a key lift out of the bullpen, working through a bases-loaded jam and striking out six over 3.1 innings to keep the Trojans within striking distance.
"I thought Brigden was outstanding, and Gage came in and did a great job in a big situation," Curry said. "Those guys gave us every chance."
Despite the late push, Lindenwood used a timely hit in the final inning to secure the win.
The two teams meet in the finale tomorrow at the Lou Brock Sports Complex.
"We're ready to come out tomorrow with [
Nic Bronzini] on the mound and win the series," Curry said.
