LITTLE ROCK, Ark — Little Rock held a 2-1 lead heading into the top of the ninth inning, but a three-run rally by Illinois State thwarted the Trojans' bid for an opening weekend series sweep with a 4-2 loss at Gary Hogan Field.
The loss overshadowed another strong outing at the plate from both Kobe Barnum and Miguel Soto, batting in the four and five spots for the Trojans. Both players tallied a pair of hits, including a double, with Soto generating his seventh hit and fourth RBI of the season.
The rest of the Trojan lineup managed just one hit on the afternoon against the Redbirds, coming off the bat of Garrett Scott, but were still able to take a 2-0 lead after four. Little Rock struck in the third inning as an Illinois State throwing error allowed Scott to score, giving the Trojans the 1-0 lead.
Soto's double to left in the fourth then drove in Barnum, giving Little Rock the 2-0 lead.
Illinois State got one back in the top of the sixth off a sacrifice fly, and the Trojans were able to keep the Redbirds at bay until the top of the ninth. Illinois State led off the inning with a pair of singles, then the throw home from center off a sacrifice fly was not in time to tie the game at 2-2.
A single and a throwing error off a bunt led to the final two runs of the innings for the Redbirds and the Trojans went down in order in the ninth.
Aaron Funk had a stellar first start on the mound for Little Rock, going 7.2 innings and allowing one run on two hits with five strikeouts and two walks on 107 pitches. Jose Torres picks up the loss after allowing the three runs (two earned) in the ninth.
Little Rock closes out its season-opening four game home stand Tuesday, hosting Grambling State at 3 p.m. at Gary Hogan Field.
Three-run Redbird ninth costs Trojans series sweep
A single and a throwing error off a bunt led to the final two runs of the innings for the Redbirds and the Trojans went down in order in the ninth.