Little Rock Trojans beat LSU Tigers 10-4 in game one of Baton Rouge Regional Final
While LSU’s recruiting challenges continue to unfold, the on-field performance in the NCAA baseball tournament provided another blow to Tiger Nation. In a surprising turn of events at the Baton Rouge Regional Final, the Little Rock Trojans stunned the LSU Tigers with a commanding 10-4 victory in game one. The Trojans, viewed by many as underdogs heading into the regional, delivered a complete performance that exposed LSU’s vulnerabilities and marked a high point in the Trojans’ program history.
From the opening pitch, it was evident that Little Rock came into the game with purpose and poise. Their aggressive approach at the plate and disciplined pitching gave them an early edge. The Trojans struck first in the top of the second inning, stringing together three consecutive hits to load the bases before senior outfielder Mason Speer drove a double down the right field line, plating two runs. That early 2-0 lead energized the Little Rock dugout and immediately put LSU on the back foot.
LSU struggled to generate momentum offensively in the early innings. Despite several hard-hit balls, the Tigers were unable to solve Little Rock starter Grant Walker, who worked efficiently through the first four innings. His command of the strike zone and ability to mix speeds kept LSU’s typically potent lineup off balance. Walker recorded five strikeouts and allowed just three hits in his first five innings of work, quieting the home crowd and shifting the atmosphere inside Alex Box Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Trojans continued to apply pressure. In the top of the fourth, catcher Luis Montoya launched a towering two-run homer over the left field wall, extending the lead to 4-0. The blast came on a hanging curveball from LSU’s starter, Jack Davis, who struggled to locate his pitches throughout the outing. Davis was pulled in the fifth after surrendering six runs, including a two-RBI single by Little Rock’s freshman standout, Tyler Greene. Davis left the mound to a mixture of stunned silence and polite applause, as LSU fans recognized the difficult situation their team now faced.
Trailing 6-0 in the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers finally broke through. Leadoff hitter Jordan Thompson sparked the rally with a double into the left-center gap. Two batters later, Jared Jones lined a single to center to drive in Thompson. A subsequent walk and an error by Little Rock’s third baseman loaded the bases, giving LSU a golden opportunity to climb back into the game. Freshman designated hitter Blake Money took advantage, slicing a two-run single into right field to cut the deficit to 6-3. The Tigers’ bench roared to life, and it appeared LSU had finally found its rhythm.
However, the Trojans answered immediately in the top of the sixth. Facing reliever Bryce Collins, Little Rock’s number nine hitter, Ethan Harris, roped a one-out single before stealing second. Two pitches later, leadoff man Chris Ramirez slapped a triple down the third base line, scoring Harris. Ramirez later scored on a sacrifice fly, restoring a comfortable 8-3 cushion for the Trojans. That response extinguished LSU’s momentum and showcased the poise and resilience of a Little Rock squad that had clearly come to Baton Rouge with confidence and belief.
Defensively, the Trojans were sharp throughout the contest, committing just one error and turning two key double plays to stymie LSU threats. Their outfielders, particularly center fielder Daniel Cortez, covered ground efficiently and limited extra-base hits. Cortez’s diving catch in the seventh inning robbed LSU’s Gavin Dugas of what would have been an RBI double, a play that drew loud applause even from some Tigers fans in appreciation of the effort.
LSU managed to push across one more run in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly by Josh Pearson, but by then the outcome seemed largely decided. Little Rock added two more insurance runs in the top of the ninth against LSU’s bullpen, both unearned following a throwing error that extended the inning. Closer Jake Richardson came on in the bottom half and, despite allowing a leadoff walk, retired the next three batters to seal the 10-4 victory. As the final out was recorded, the Little Rock dugout erupted in celebration, fully aware of the magnitude of their achievement.
This result was more than just a single-game upset. For Little Rock, it marked a milestone moment in program history—defeating a national power on its home turf in postseason play. The victory was the culmination of a season in which the Trojans defied expectations, riding a balanced roster and steady leadership to challenge more established programs. Head coach Chris Curry praised his team’s composure and preparation, noting that the Trojans had embraced the underdog role and executed their game plan with precision.
For LSU, the loss raised questions about their postseason readiness and ability to respond under pressure. Despite entering the regional as favorites and boasting a roster filled with talent, the Tigers looked flat for long stretches and failed to match Little Rock’s intensity. Head coach Jay Johnson acknowledged the shortcomings, pointing to inconsistent pitching and missed opportunities at the plate. He emphasized the need for urgency and a short memory heading into the elimination bracket, where the Tigers would need to win consecutive games to avoid an early exit.
In a sport where momentum shifts quickly and depth is paramount, a single off night can derail an entire season’s worth of work. LSU’s path now grows more difficult, with limited margin for error and the pressure of expectations mounting. The Tigers must regroup quickly if they hope to extend their stay in the postseason and make a deep run.
Meanwhile, the Trojans find themselves just one win away from advancing, a scenario few outside their clubhouse envisioned. Their performance in game one was a testament to preparation, belief, and execution—qualities that often separate contenders from pretenders in the crucible of postseason play. As they await their next opponent, the Trojans will look to maintain their focus and continue their improbable journey through the NCAA tournament.
In the broader context of college baseball, Little Rock’s triumph is yet another example of the increasing parity within the sport. As more programs invest in facilities, coaching, and player development, the gap between so-called mid-majors and traditional powers has narrowed. Upsets have become more frequent, and the regional format creates an ideal setting for surprises and statement wins. For fans, it adds drama and unpredictability, and for players, it reinforces that effort and execution can overcome reputation and rankings.
Regardless of how the remainder of the Baton Rouge Regional unfolds, the legacy of this game will linger. It was a night when Little Rock baseball etched its name into the national conversation and demonstrated that heart and hustle can go a long way. For LSU, it was a sobering reminder that talent alone does not guarantee victory, and that the road to Omaha demands resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment.
As postseason play continues, both programs will carry the lessons of this game forward—one emboldened by triumph, the other motivated by redemption. College baseball’s beauty lies in such moments, where stories are rewritten, expectations are shattered, and anything can happen on any given night. For now, Little Rock stands tall, having authored one of the tournament’s most compelling chapters yet.
