Little Rock lost a close game to SIUE, 3-2, in the series finale at Simmons Baseball Complex on April 12. The Trojans managed four hits and stayed competitive due to strong pitching but could not overcome an early deficit.
The outcome is important as it reflects how tightly matched the two teams were throughout the weekend. Little Rock’s record now stands at 20-16 overall and 8-4 in conference play, while SIUE moves to 19-16 overall and 10-2 in conference.
Nolan Freund hit a two-out solo home run in the third inning for Little Rock’s first run. SIUE scored three runs early, taking advantage of five walks. In the sixth inning, Little Rock scored again with two hits but was unable to tie the game as SIUE pitchers retired nine of the last ten Trojan batters.
Head coach Chris Curry said, “I thought it was a really hard-fought series, and a 3-2 game on Sunday afternoon is an indication of how well each team played and how close each team was.” Curry praised his pitching staff for holding SIUE’s offense to three runs on six hits despite windy conditions: “On a day where the wind was blowing out 20 mph to left-center field, for our pitching staff to hold that offense to three runs on six hits is outstanding.”
Curry also highlighted individual performances: “We only wanted three innings out of [Nic Bronzini] making his first conference start on short rest, and he gave that to us. Gage Haley came in in a bases-loaded jam and only gave up one run. Tag Andrews did a good job coming in and giving us every opportunity offensively to score.” Freshman Tag Andrews pitched effectively from the bullpen with 2.2 scoreless innings.
Blake Simpson and Trey Hill each had one hit; Jerdy Lopez contributed with a run scored and stolen base. Curry said adjustments are needed: “Moving forward, we need to make some offensive adjustments and give our pitchers more run support… But I think a lot of that had to do this weekend with the conditions and how well the SIUE staff pitched.” He added that after facing Louisiana Tech next Tuesday, “We’re excited to get home next weekend after a really tough matchup at Louisiana Tech on Tuesday.”
