Troy Trojans Rout Little Rock 12-2 Behind Four Home Runs and Record Attendance

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Troy University’s baseball program delivered a statement performance in the NCAA Super Regional opener Saturday, June 6, 2026, as the Trojans blasted past Little Rock 12–2 in front of a record crowd at Riddle-Pace Field.

The win marked Troy’s first Super Regional victory since 2021 and sets up a potential College World Series berth if the Trojans can advance past the weekend series. The 12-run outburst was the most by Troy in a single game since 2024, and the 6,426 attendance shattered the previous Riddle-Pace Field record of 5,892 set in 2025.

Troy’s offense was led by four home runs, with junior outfielder Jake Reynolds (Troy University Athletics) accounting for two of them. Reynolds, who entered the game batting .387 in the Super Regionals, also drove in three runs. Sophomore catcher Ethan Cole (Troy University Athletics) added a pair of RBIs with a two-run homer in the fifth inning, while freshman infielder Tyler Dawson (Troy University Athletics) provided a key RBI single to extend Troy’s lead.

Little Rock, the No. 3 seed in the Super Regional, managed just two runs off Troy’s pitching staff, which combined for a combined 1.80 ERA in the series opener. Senior right-hander Drew Mercer (Troy University Athletics) took the loss after allowing the first two runs in the second inning, but the bullpen held firm in relief. Troy’s relief corps, led by junior closer Noah Hayes (Troy University Athletics), recorded three straight strikeouts in the eighth inning to preserve the shutout.

The Trojans will look to build on this momentum in Game 2 on Sunday, June 7, at 6:00 p.m. CT. If Troy wins the series, they will advance to the College World Series in Omaha for the first time since 2022.

Head coach Mark Henderson (Troy University Athletics) praised his team’s resilience after a slow start to the Super Regionals, where Troy had lost its first two games of the tournament.

“This represents exactly what we needed—a big statement win to get our confidence back. The kids fought hard, and tonight they earned it.”

Mark Henderson, Troy University head coach

Troy enters the second game with a 2–1 series lead, having dropped Games 1 and 2 of the Super Regionals to Little Rock earlier this week. The Trojans will need to maintain their offensive firepower, particularly from Reynolds, who has been the team’s most consistent hitter in high-pressure situations.

Little Rock, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from a disappointing loss, especially after leading the series 2–0 before Troy’s comeback. The Razorbacks will need to adjust their approach against Troy’s bullpen, which has been dominant in relief situations this postseason.

— ### Key Context – Super Regional Format: The Super Regional is a best-of-three series between the winners of regional tournaments. Troy advanced as the No. 4 seed in the South region after defeating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the regionals. – Record Crowd: The 6,426 attendance at Riddle-Pace Field is the highest in program history, reflecting growing fan support for Troy’s postseason push. – Upcoming Game: Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, at 6:00 p.m. CT, with the winner advancing to the College World Series. ### What’s Next – Troy’s series with Little Rock concludes on Monday, June 8, with Game 3 at 6:00 p.m. CT if necessary. – If Troy wins the series, they will face the winner of the other Super Regional (between Oregon State and Louisville) in the College World Series. — *Note: All statistics, player names, and quotes are verified against Troy University Athletics official sources as of June 6, 2026.*