UALR’s big bats clobber ASU

JONESBORO — The University of Arkansas at Little Rock recorded 17 hits and routed Arkansas State University 8-0 on Friday night at Tomlinson Stadium-Kell Field.

UALR (27-26, 17-11 Sun Belt Conference) had five players with more than one hit.

Right fielder Ryan Benavidez, third baseman Nick Perez and left fielder Troy Alexander all went 3 for 5 for the Trojans. Perez drove in three runs, while Alexander had two RBI.

Designated hitter Riley Pittman and shortstop Christian Reyes each had two hits for UALR.

With Friday’s loss, ASU (26-28, 11-18) will not play in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

Trojans right-hander Hayden Arnold turned in his team’s second consecutive solid outing in the series Friday night.

After ace Chandler Fidel went 81/3 innings and struck out 9 in a no-decision, Arnold allowed 3 hits in 7 innings. He threw 100 pitches, 63 for strikes, and struck out 2 while walking none.

UALR took advantage of two ASU errors in the top of the second inning to take a 2-0 lead.

Perez led off the inning with a base hit. Catcher Ramon Padilla reached on a throwing error by ASU second baseman Tyler Duncan.

Two batters later, center fielder Eldrige Figueroa hit a RBI single to right field to give the Trojans a 1-0 lead, scoring Perez.

With Benavidez at the plate, Reyes was in a rundown between first and second. However, Red Wolves first baseman Kyle MacDonald dropped the ball as he attempted to tag Reyes and Padilla came home for a 2-0 lead.