Troy University Athletics
Trojans Fall 9-0 to No. 3 Alabama
4/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - No. 3 Alabama hit two grand slams in a game for the first time in school history to defeat the Trojans, 9-0 in five innings.
Troy fell to 22-28 (1-2 in the Sun Belt) on the season as it managed just two hits in the game against the Crimson Tide (37-4).
Ashley Holcombe started things rolling for Alabama in the third when she hit a solo home run to start off the inning.
The Trojans were unable to get out of the inning without more damage being done as Alabama took advantage of a bases loaded opportunity to hit one out of the park. With two outs, Stephanie VanBrakle hit a grand slam with and her fourth home run of the season bringing in Mandy Burford, Brittany Rogers and Dani Woods to extend the lead for the Crimson Tide, 5-0. Burford was hit by a pitch, Rogers singled and Woods walked to load the bases for Alabama. Alabama ended the third inning with five runs on three hits.
Alabama clinched the game in the bottom of the fifth when Dominique Accetturo hit the second grand slam to put Alabama up, 9-0 ending the game by the eight-rule rule after the fifth. The home run was her second of the season.
Junior Laine Harcourt (12-14) took the loss on the mound for Troy as she went two point one innings allowing three runs on four hits.
Sophomore Angela Lopez came in the third in relief for Harcourt and she allowed six on three hits and gave up both grand slams.
Offensively for Troy, freshman Heidi Johnson and junior Stacey Dwyer were the only ones able to notch a hit against Alabama pitcher Chrissy Owens.
Owens is 13-2 on the season and has allowed 14 runs only seven of which are earned in 2006.
The Trojans will be back in action on Friday when they will host Western Kentucky for a doubleheader at 4 p.m. at the Trojan Softball Complex. Troy will also play the Hilltoppers on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Live stats will be available through www.troytrojans.com for the series with the Hilltoppers. Free player cards and T-shirts will be given away throughout the series with Western Kentucky.
Admission to all Troy home softball games is free.
