Stopper. Fireman. Leverage man. X-factor.
There's a number of names for the role Aaron Barkley has in the University of Arkansas at Little Rock bullpen. No matter which title, the definition of the job carried out by the Trojans' Swiss Army knife is singular and simple.
"When we think the game is at its most crucial point, when it's in consequence," UALR Coach Chris Curry said. "We're going to bring Barkley into the game."
One such moment came at a home game at Gary Hogan Field against visiting Louisiana-Lafayette on April 23. After starter Hayden Arnold loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh inning, the Trojans' once comfortable 6-1 lead was in jeopardy with the tying run on-deck.