LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Chase Bloomer's first career grand slam in the top of the eighth inning was the difference as the Cougars claimed a 5-3 win in the second game of a key Ohio Valley Conference series at Little Rock.

SIUE maintained a share of first place in the OVC, improving to 12-5. The Cougars are 19-21 overall. Little Rock fell to 18-24 overall and 7-9 in OVC play.

The Trojans led 3-0 and Little Rock starter Jack Cline cruised through 7 1/3 innings, allowing just two hits, then SIUE flipped the script.

Lane Crowden opened the eighth inning with a double to left center. Daniel Gierer singled with one out and Mack Mitchell walked. Chase Bloomer then blasted the go ahead shot down the left field line.

Gage Haley relieved Cline, but the first batter he faced, Ryan Niedzwiedz homered to put the Cougars up two at 5-3.

Duncan McLaughlin (1-0) earned the win after working the final 2/3 of the seventh inning.

Alex Rodriguez worked a scoreless eighth inning but walked the first two hitters he faced in the bottom of the ninth. Kyle Athmer then retired the next three hitters to earn his first save of the year.

Spencer Stearns started and allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings. He walked three and struck out four.

Cline (6-3) took the loss for the Trojans. He allowed four runs on five hits over 6 1/3 innings. He walked three and struck out four.

SIUE will go for the series sweep in a 1 p.m. game Sunday afternoon.