Troy University Athletics
Trojan Bats Stay Hot to Win Mercer Nissan Invitational
3/26/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MACON, Ga. - Troy won its first extra inning game since April 10, 2005, against Belmont on Sunday as it defeated Mercer 6-3 in eight innings to win the 2006 Mercer Nissan Invitational. Mercer (10-16) forced an eighth inning and the Trojans (20-20) stepped up to the challenge scoring three runs on three hits.
Sophomore Jessica Lyle started the scoring in the eighth for Troy as she singled bringing in junior Brittany Krbec, who was placed on second as of tournament rules using the international tiebreaker. Freshman Heidi Johnson then singled bringing in Lyle. After Johnson, freshman Felicia Hammer singled scoring sophomore Caurie Miller.
Johnson ended the day three for four with a solo home run, a double and two RBIs. She was also named tournament MVP for her performance in the Mercer Nissan Invitational.
Johnson hit her third home run of the weekend in the fourth inning to extend the lead for Troy, 2-0. Johnson now has five home runs this season.
Junior Brittany Krbec hit a solo home run in the third with two outs to get the Trojans on the board over Mercer. Then junior Brooke Powell singled bringing in Lyle from second, 2-0. Lyle reached base when she singled then stole second on a failed pick-off attempt.
Krbec also finished the day strong as she went two for four with a solo home run and Lyle was two for three with one RBI and scored one run.
Mercer put runs on the board in the fourth, when C.J. Martin doubled scoring runners from second and third, 3-2 Troy.
Mercer tied the game in the sixth when April Cunningham bunted down the first base line and Lyle mishandled it. The runner at third beat the throw to home plate to tie the game, 3-3.
Junior Laine Harcourt came in relief for sophomore Angela Lopez, who was injured on a play in the second inning. Harcourt went six point two innings allowed three runs and seven hits facing 31 batters.
Troy will be back in action on Tuesday when it will play at home for the first time since March 1. The Trojans will play host to Georgia Southern for a doubleheader with the first pitch set for 4 p.m. Admission to all home softball games is free.
