LITTLE ROCK – Little Rock scored a pair of early runs and starter Jackson Wells tossed a complete game shutout Friday as the Trojans downed SIUE 2-0 in the opener of a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at Gary Hogan Field.

The Cougars fell to 22-15 overall and 5-5 in OVC play. Little Rock improved to 21-14 overall and 8-5 in the league.

Wells (3-1) allowed just eight hits, did not walk a batter and struck out nine. He lowered his earned run average to a Division I best 1.07.

"He had the ability to make a good pitch when he needed it," SIUE Head Coach Sean Lyons said of Wells. "We had some opportunities and made quality pitches in those spots."

Avery Owusu-Asiedu and John Stallcup each had two hits. Owusu-Asiedu was 2-4. Stallcup was 2-3 with a double.

The Cougars threatened in the ninth, putting runners on the corners with just one out. Braedyn Brewer grounded into a double play, nearly beating out the play at first base.

"We had some hits," Lyons said. "We just never had enough to get anybody across."

The Trojans scored a run in each of the first two innings against SIUE starter Tyler DeLong (4-2). DeLong allowed the run on three hits in the first before Nathan Brewer hit a solo home run in the second inning. The Cougar righty worked five innings and struck out five.

"We got a solid start from Tyler after he got his pitch count up early," Lyons said. "Even so, he was able to keep them to two runs."

Jacob Kampf finished the game with three scoreless frames. He struck out five.

The Cougars and Trojans play the second game of the series Saturday at 4 p.m.