Trojans Overcome Early Deficit to Secure Series Win Over Eastern Illinois

UALR scores 11 unanswered runs to rally past Panthers and move into tie for second place in OVC standings.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:49am

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, gold, and red, representing the dynamic action and competing forces of a college baseball game.UALR's comeback victory over Eastern Illinois showcases the Trojans' offensive firepower and resilience as they battle for position in the OVC standings.Little Rock Today

After a dramatic 14-inning victory on Friday, the University of Arkansas-Little Rock baseball team erased an early 5-0 deficit by scoring 11 consecutive runs to defeat Eastern Illinois 11-7 on Saturday and clinch the weekend series. The Trojans pounded out 18 hits, with eight players recording at least one, to overcome the Panthers' fast start and move into a second-place tie in the Ohio Valley Conference standings.

Why it matters

This series marks the first meeting between the two OVC contenders since UALR upset Eastern Illinois in last year's conference tournament championship game. The Trojans had lost five of six entering the weekend, while the Panthers had won six straight, making this an important bounce-back victory for the home team as they jockey for position in the league race.

The details

UALR starter Brigden Parker struggled early, giving up five runs in the first inning, but the Trojans' bullpen settled things down and the offense erupted for 11 unanswered runs between the third and fifth innings to take control. Kade Smith drove in three runs with a two-run single to tie the game in the fourth, and the Trojans piled on five more in the fifth to build an 11-5 lead they would not relinquish.

  • UALR scored all 11 of its runs between the third and fifth innings on Saturday night.
  • The Trojans and Panthers will meet again in the series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The players

UALR

The University of Arkansas-Little Rock baseball team, which moved into a second-place tie in the Ohio Valley Conference standings with the victory.

Eastern Illinois

The Panthers, who entered the weekend series with a six-game winning streak and tied for second place in the OVC.

Kade Smith

The UALR infielder had three hits and three RBIs, including a two-run single that tied the game in the fourth inning.

Brigden Parker

The UALR starting pitcher struggled early but was able to settle in and keep the Panthers off the scoreboard after the first inning.

Chris Curry

The UALR head coach praised his team's resilience after they were forced to use five pitchers in Friday's 14-inning win.

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What they’re saying

“No panic. We didn't panic (Friday) night. I think we're far enough along in the year where our identity and personality is starting to really take shape.”

— Chris Curry, UALR Head Coach

“I think confidence is the biggest thing in hitting. Being carefree and just going up there and making the best of it.”

— Kade Smith, UALR Infielder

What’s next

The Trojans and Panthers will meet again in the series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m., with UALR looking to complete the sweep and further solidify its position in the OVC standings.

The takeaway

This comeback victory showcases the resilience and offensive firepower of the UALR baseball team, which has now proven it can win close games against a fellow conference contender. The Trojans' ability to erase a large early deficit and take control of the game demonstrates their growth and maturity as a squad this season.