Memphis, Tenn. • Nat Buring Stadium (2,000)
After a pair of well-pitched home games this week, the Trojans return to the road for a weekend series against a much improved Memphis Tigers squad. The three-game series will be the first meeting on the diamond for the two schools.
Troy enters the weekend riding a four-game winning streak after downing Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State in mid-week competition. The Trojans got outstanding pitching performances from juniors Mike Felix and Joe Hallahan in posting the wins. Felix recorded a career-high 14 strikeouts in a complete game victory over JSU while Hallahan, making his first start for Troy, allowed just two hits over seven innings of work against the Owls.
Memphis comes into the series after defeating Middle Tennessee 11-5 and 8-3 in mid-week play. Those two teams were scheduled to play again on Thursday afternoon, weather permitting. At 8-3, the Tigers have already recorded victories over Alabama, Oklahoma and Notre Dame this season, just one year after posting a 13-42 record in 2005, a season that included a pair of double-digit losing streaks.
The Trojans are still without the services of second baseman Edgar Ramirez, who suffered a broken finger two weeks ago. The junior will make the trip with the team and may be available to play against the Tigers this weekend.
While Troy has gotten outstanding pitching during the last three games, the offense has continued to struggle to gain consistency. Three Trojans that have been swinging hot bats are juniors Ben Woods, Clint Robinson and Josh Dew. Woods has taken over the team hitting lead while Dew and Robinson have started driving in runs in the middle of the order.
The Trojans will be well-rested on the mound heading into the Memphis series. Friday night starter Jon Gianquitti hasn't pitched since facing Michigan on Feb. 26, while Saturday's scheduled starter, junior Clegg Snipes, has only worked two innings all year and will be making his debut as a starter.
Junior left-hander Mike Felix is scheduled to take the mound again on Sunday.
Following the weekend series, the Trojans will return home next week for a pair of games against Georgia Southern at Riddle-Pace Field.
