North Little Rock, AR (KATV) — The Little Rock Trojan baseball team will take a swing at history this weekend when they play in the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time in school history.
Senior Brody Bunting, a North Little Rock native, delivered the winning pitch last weekend. “Being able to be there for his team in these last two outings, it’s been amazing to watch it,” Rebecca Bunting, Brody’s mom, said.
For Bunting, the run carries extra meaning. He is playing his final season on the field and by doing so in Central Arkansas, it’s given his family the chance to witness this storybook collegiate career.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Bunting has struggled with an injury and issues with mechanics. However, something recently clicked and came in clutch for the most recent series of games.
“He just amazes me every time he gets out there on the field,” Jimmey Bunting, Brody’s dad, said.
Bunting’s parents said the emotions of watching him compete have not gotten any easier over the years, and they’ve leaned into game-day routines to manage the nerves.
“You get up and drink the same energy drink, you eat the same breakfast, you sit in the same spot, keep wearing the same shirt, don’t wash it once you start that winning streak,” Brody’s mom joked.
Those superstitions, they said, have followed the family since Bunting first picked up a baseball and continue to this day as they watch their son prepare for the Super Regional.
“There’s a lot of talent on this team. This is what they do. They eat, sleep, breathe baseball. They’ve worked for this moment and I think the coaches have helped them stay calm and stay focused on one game at a time,” Rebecca Bunting said.
Little Rock plays Troy today at 4:00 p.m. If the Trojans win the series, they will advance to the College World Series.
