Troy University Athletics
Errors Costly as Florida International Sweeps Trojans
5/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MIAMI, Fla. -- Trojan mistakes allowed the only run of game one and a three unearned runs in the nightcap as Florida International swept a Sun Belt Conference doubleheader Saturday 1-0 and 7-6.
In the opener, a two-out error by Caurie Miller in the bottom of the third led to the only run. The Golden Panthers had runners on first and second with two outs when Jennifer Powell hit the ball toward Miller. The fielding error allowed Desiree Fink to score.
Troy managed just two hits off FIU pitcher Sarah Belanger -- a bunt single by Felicia Hammer in the third and a one-out double by Heidi Johnson in the fourth.
Laine Harcourt struck out seven in the complete-game effort. She walked just one, while allowing five hits.
In the nightcap, Troy capitalized on an FIU error and timely hitting to open a 2-0 lead in the third. With one out, Miller walked before Angie Coteat singled after another out. Golden Panther second baseman Tracey Deleon then booted a grounder by Brittany Krbec allowing Miller to score. A single to left by Heather Lyle plated Coteat.
FIU answered in the bottom of the frame. A leadoff single was followed by a flyout, then Brooke Powell threw wildly on a fielder's choice, allowing runners to reach second and third. After the second out of the inning, Ashley Falk put the Golden Panthers up 3-2 with a home run to left center.
The Golden Panthers erupted for four runs in their next at-bat, chasing Trojan starter Angela Lopez. Four hits, including a two-run home run by Tabitha Embry, led to a 7-3 lead.
Troy tried to rally in the top of the seventh. Krbec and Lyle started the frame with back-to-back hits, then Powell homered to center to make the score 7-6. After a pair of flyouts, Amanda Ragans singled and Miller walked, but Lopez struck out swinging to end the game.
The losses, combined with a Western Kentucky sweep of North Texas, lock the Trojans into the No. 5 seed for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament next week. The Trojans will face No. 4 Middle Tennessee on Thursday.
The series with FIU wraps up Sunday at noon (CDT) at the University Park Softball Field on the campus of FIU.
