Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
1-2
Little Rock
2-1
Baseball Drops Series Finale at Little Rock
2/15/2026 5:00:00 PM | Baseball
Trojans took the lead in the fourth inning, Eastern threatened multiple times but was unable to score
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University baseball team dropped a tight 2-0 rubber match at the University of Arkansas Little Rock at Gary Hogan Field, to complete the opening series of the 2026 season, Sunday, Feb. 15.
After falling behind 2-0 in the fourth inning, Eastern threatened multiple times but was unable to score, leaving 11 base runners stranded.
The game was highlighted by a strong first outing for senior right-hander Michael Pfeiffer (Brownsboro, Ala./Brownsboro/Northwest-Shoals C.C.), who allowed two runs while striking out three and walking two Trojan batters. First-year Eagle Tristan Crane (Berkley, Mich./Brother Rice/Texas A&M Corpus Christi) knocked two hits, while Nick Keane (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin/Frederick C.C.) and Fischer Hendershot (Flushing, Mich./Flint Powers) tossed respective scoreless outings out of the bullpen.
How it Happened
The game was scoreless through three innings as starting right-hander Michael Pfeiffer (Brownsboro, Ala./Brownsboro/Northwest-Shoals C.C.) pitched effectively through three frames, allowing three hits with two strikeouts and one walk.
Little Rock struck first in the fourth inning, doubling down the right-field line with two runners on base to go up 2-0. Keane came in to relieve Pfeiffer after allowing two runs, off six hits, while striking out three, and walking two in four innings of work.
Eastern saw its first two batters reach base in the top of the seventh but was unable to score. Hendershot came in to relieve Keane after two innings of scoreless work.
Eastern threatened again in the top of the eighth with loaded bases and got its lead-off man on in the top of the ninth, courtesy of a Kevin Krill (White Lake, Mich./Lakeland/Kalamazoo Valley C.C.) single, but was unable to match the Trojans' total as the game ended in a 2-0 decision in favor of Little Rock.
Game Notes
» Eastern's record shifted to 1-2 (0-0 MAC) and Little Rock's went to 2-1 (0-0 OVC).
» Eastern tied its season high with five walks after recording the same amount in Saturday's 11-6 win, Feb. 14.
» Eastern Michigan pitchers limited Little Rock to just 1-for-5 (.200) with runners in scoring position.
» Eastern Michigan pitchers faced 31 Little Rock hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and six fly balls while striking out seven.
» Ty Stecko (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin/Mount St. Mary's) stole multiple bases for the first time in his NCAA Division I career as he recorded two. As a team, the Eagles stole a season-best three bags.
» Eastern newcomer Tristan Crane recorded his first hit as an Eagle with a base hit to left field in the top of the sixth inning. Crane collected his first multi-hit day as an Eagle and third of his collegiate baseball career with another single in the eighth inning.
» Michael Pfeiffer started for the first time this season. He allowed two runs, off six hits, while striking out three, and walking one in four innings of work. Pfeiffer is up to 35.2 innings pitched and 36 strikeouts as an Eagle.
» Fischer Hendershot made his first appearance of the season, entering to start the bottom of the seventh inning. He tossed a scoreless two innings, striking out two. The sophomore totals 20 strikeouts after Sunday's total.
» Keegan Knupp (Galena, Ohio/Olentangy Orange) made his NCAA debut, entering as a defensive substitute to play third base in the bottom of the eighth.
Historical Notes
» Eastern and Little Rock met for the fifth time in program history. Eastern now holds a 2-3 record against the Trojans.
Up Next
The Eagles visit No. 23 Vanderbilt University for a two-game mid-week series, Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb. 17-18. Both games will be streamed on SEC Network+.
Follow Us
Keep up with all things Eastern baseball by following the team on X @EMU_Baseball, and on Instagram @emu_baseball.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Busick (1-0)
L: Pfeiffer, Michael (0-1)
S: Cline (1)
Base Running:
SB: Stecko, Ty 2 ; Weaver, Nick 1
HBP: Weaver, Nick 1
Batting:
2B: Baumbach 1 ; Rhoades 1
RBI: Rhoades 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Cano 1 ; Baumbach 1
CS: O'Brien 1 ; Chaplain 1 ; Lopez 1
HBP: Smith 1
