Troy University Athletics
Troy Pounds Out 11 Hits in 8-5 Victory Over 24th-ranked Alabama
3/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Troy scored three runs in the first inning -- highlighted by a two-run homer by Josh Dew -- then hung on for an 8-5 win over 24th-ranked Alabama Wednesday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
"This was a big win for our team," Trojans coach Bobby Pierce said. "I am proud of our effort tonight. Last year, we couldn't quite pull off this type of win.
"Our hitters came out with a plan. Tonight was our best effort in doing the little things that can make a difference. We haven't gotten many breaks lately and tonight we got some."
The Trojans (13-9) opened the game with back-to-back hits to plate the first run. Blake Green doubled to left center on a 1-2 count, then scored when Tom King drilled a 1-0 pitch to the same spot. One out later, Dew sent a rocket over the left field fence for a 3-0 Troy advantage.
The lead increased to 4-0 in the top of the second. After a leadoff out, Ian Craze tripled to the gap in right center and scored when Green grounded out.
The Crimson Tide (16-8) answered with three runs in its half of the second, all with two outs. A pair of perfectly-placed singles through the right side by Spencer Pennington and Brandon Belcher led to the first two runs. Emeel Salem singled in Pennington to make the score 4-3.
But Troy immediately pushed the lead back to four with three runs in its next at-bat. The Trojans loaded the bases with one out before Jared Keel walked. After a Josh Blackwell strikeout, Craze beat out an infield single over second base to drive in Ben Woods and Clint Robinson.
Alabama capitalized on three wild pitches in the fifth inning to close to within 7-5. A pair of singles with the first wild pitch in between put runners at the corners and chased Trojan starter John Gianquitti. Two more wild pitches by JJ Whetsel allowed the first run to score, while a passed ball brought Kody Valverde, who had singled, in from third. After a double and hit batsman, Mike Felix came in to retire the last next two batters and end the threat.
Troy gained some insurance in the eighth when Jared Keel led off the inning by hitting a 3-1 pitch over the fence in left center. The Trojans had a chance at more by loading the bases with two outs, but Jordan Davis struck out Dew to end the frame.
Three Trojans finished the game with a pair of hits, including King, who extended his hitting streak to 16 straight and 22 of the 23 games this season. Craze and Edgar Ramirez also had two hits, while Keel and Dew each drove in a pair of runs.
Felix (3-2) earned the win with 4.2 innings of strong relief. He allowed just five hits, while striking out five. He issued the team's only walk of the contest with two outs in the ninth, but struck out Kyle Moore with the bases loaded to end the game.
The win came in the first opportunity for Head Coach Bobby Pierce against his alma mater. The former Crimson Tide outfielder and 1982 graduate of Alabama also served on the coaching staff from 1990-95.
Troy opens an eight-game homestand this weekend when Mississippi Valley State visits Riddle-Pace Field. Alabama returns to Southeastern Conference play with a home series against Ole Miss.
