MARION, Ill. - Lindenwood baseball (30-29) suffered their first loss at the Ohio Valley Conference Championships at the hands of #8 Little Rock (23-32) by a final score of 4-1 at Mtn Dew Park. The Lions season is still alive as they will now face Eastern Illinois in the elimination portion of the bracket later on Friday at 6:00 p.m. CT.

KEY STATS
Michael Walsh: L (3-3), 7.0 IP, 10 H, 4 R, K
Easton Rakers: 2.0 IP, H, 0 R, 3 K
Mitch Cummins: 1-3, RBI
Sam Grunberg: 1-4, R

Starting pitcher Michael Walsh threw a season-high seven innings to start Thursday's action against Little Rock. The right-hander ended the game allowing four runs on 10 hits with a strikeout.

The Trojans in their previous three-games at the OVC Championships had scored 17 combined runs through the first two innings of each game. Lindenwood allowed one run in the first inning after a key double play.

Little Rock continued to put pressure on the Lions including a three-run home run in the third inning off of Walsh which put the Trojans ahead 4-0. Walsh settled down for the remainder of his time on the mound allowing just three hits past the third inning.

Cummins broke the streak for the Lions after hitting an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning to score Sam Grunberg. He and Sarota both reached safely, but the Lions stranded two to close out the inning.

Lindenwood put runners on in the eighth and ninth inning but could not put anything together as Little Rock advanced to the Championship game. The Lions will now battle #1 Eastern Illinois in an elimination game at 6:00 p.m. CT for a spot in the Championship. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.