LITTLE ROCK, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears scored first and last Wednesday but still fell to the Little Rock Trojans 5-3 in Round 1 of the "Governor's I-40 Showdown" at Gary Hogan Field.

The Bears (1-3) put up a pair of runs in the third inning when Connor Emmet reached on a fielder's choice and an error, scoring Christian Brasher, who led off the inning with a walk. A sacrifice bunt and another error moved him to third before Emmet brought him in. An RBI ground out by Benny Ayala gave UCA an early 2-0 lead.

The Trojans (3-4) answered with five runs in the fourth and UCA never caught back up, despite several good scoring opportunities. The Bears stranded 11 runners in the game, off a combination of 8 hits, 5 walks and 2 hit batters. 

The Bears held the Trojans scoreless from that point and put together a mild rally in the top of the ninth. Facing a new Little Rock pitcher, senior first baseman Coby Potvin had a one-out double to left center and senior catcher Beau Orlando followed with an RBI double to right field. However, Little Rock's Aaron Barkley nailed down the save with a strikeout and fly ball.

Potvin finished 3 for 5 for the Bears, while Connor Flagg went 2 for 5. Freshman Trent Gregson took the loss in relief. UCA's final three pitchers _ Dillan Janak, Andrew Shoultz and Tate Busey _ combined for 4 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits. Little Rock's senior righthander Cole Evans got the victory with 3 2/3 innings of relief, including 7 strikeouts.

UCA will host its home opener at 6 p.m. Friday night vs. Tarleton State. The Bears and Texans will also meet at 4 p.m. Saturday before UCA hosts Missouri State in a single game at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bear Stadium.