CONWAY, Ark. _ The Little Rock Trojans used a six-run fourth inning to beat the University of Central Arkansas Bears 8-4 on Wednesday night in the first round of the "Governor's I-40 Showdown" at Bear Stadium.
UCA grabbed a 2-1 lead after two innings on
Tanner Leonard's two-run base hit to right field in the second inning. But Little Rock answered in a big way two innings later, putting up six runs on just two hits, one a grand slam by designated hitter Jake Wright.
The game was scoreless after that until the ninth when the Trojans (20-16) got an insurance run in the top of the frame. UCA (13-22) loaded the bases with no outs and eventually brought home two runs on a sacrifice fly by pinch hitter
Preston Curtis and another run-scoring single by Leonard.
Leonard went 2 for 4 with 3 RBI, while third baseman
Bryce Cermenelli also had a pair of hits. UCA used seven pitchers, with
Coleman MacRae taking the loss in relief.
Payton Windham,
Trent Gregson and
Bryce Parlin all had quality outings out of the bullpen, with Parlin striking out three in 2.2 innings.
UCA is also at home this weekend, returning to ASUN play against the Bellarmine Knights. Game times are 6 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at Bear Stadium.
