LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Interstat) — The Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans capitalized on a four-run first inning and rode a dominant pitching performance to a 6-1 victory over the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the season opener for both teams Friday afternoon at Mims Gym.

The Eagles struck first in the top of the opening frame. Eastern Michigan’s Hale drew a walk, stole second base and scored on a double to right center by Zirwas for an early 1-0 lead.

That advantage was short-lived. The Trojans responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning, sending nine batters to the plate. After a double by Michael and a fielder’s choice, the Trojans loaded the bases on a single and a walk. Ryan Geck then cleared them with a triple to deep center field, driving in three runs for a 3-1 lead. Ty Rhoades followed with a single to right to score Geck, capping the four-run outburst and setting the tone for the evening.

From there, the Trojans’ pitching staff silenced the Eastern Michigan bats. The Eagles managed only two hits total, with Jones’ pinch-hit single in the eighth inning being their only other knock after the first-inning double. Trojans pitchers combined to strike out 10 Eagles batters.

Arkansas-Little Rock added insurance runs in the later innings. In the seventh, Cano launched a solo home run to deep left field to make it 5-1. The Trojans finalized the scoring in the eighth when Jerdy Lopez walked, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and came home on Cano’s single up the middle.

The most important part of the game was the immediate and decisive response by the Trojans in the bottom of the first inning. After falling behind early, the team batted around, with Geck’s three-run triple serving as the crushing blow. That sequence not only erased Eastern Michigan’s brief momentum but established a lead the Trojans’ pitchers would comfortably protect for the remainder of the contest. The early offensive explosion provided all the necessary run support, as Eastern Michigan’s lineup was held in check after its initial score.

Nico Baumbach led the Trojans’ 13-hit attack, going 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and two runs scored. Geck finished with three RBIs on his key triple, while Cano added two RBIs, including his solo homer. Rhoades also contributed two hits and an RBI.

For Eastern Michigan, Zirwas recorded the team’s only RBI. Eagles pitchers struggled to contain the Trojans’ lineup, allowing 13 hits and five walks.

With the win, Arkansas-Little Rock begins its season 1-0, while Eastern Michigan starts 0-1. The teams are scheduled to continue their series Saturday and Sunday in Little Rock.

Eastern Michigan will continue its road trip with midweek games at Vanderbilt next Tuesday and Wednesday before a weekend series at Austin Peay. Arkansas-Little Rock will host Eastern Michigan for two more games before a road game at Memphis next Tuesday and a weekend home series against West Georgia.