Troy University Athletics
Weidlich Slams the Billikens
2/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
TROY, Ala. - The Trojans used a late inning grand slam by Kevin Weidlich to beat the Billikens 5-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Senior Ian Craze led off the eighth inning with a single to start the fireworks, but Craze was thrown out trying to steal second. Brett Henry came up and delivered a single up the middle. Clint Robinson had a single to right field then Josh Dew walked to load the bases. Then the coaches turned to Weidlich.
"Kevin is a guy who is always ready," head coach Bobby Pierce said. "Anytime you need him, he is eager to do whatever is asked of him and today he proved that he is indeed ready."
After the Trojans loaded the bases, Weidlich was brought in to pinch hit for freshman Matt Tanzi. Weidlich hit the first pitch he saw over the wall in left field for the grand slam and it gave the Trojans their first lead of the day.
Senior Joe Hallahan had another solid pitching performance for Troy. Hallahan threw seven solid innings giving up only one run while striking four. Hallahan did not factor in the decision but freshman Tim Wheeler (1-1) did. Wheeler came on in relief to finish the game and get the win by throwing two innings and striking out three.
A bright spot for Troy was sophomore Brett Pierce. Pierce got the start at second base and perhaps had one of the best at bats of the season. On a 2-2 count, Pierce fouled off the next 9 pitches before hitting an RBI double to left center. Pierce saw 13 pitches in his third at bat. Pierce's double tied the game in the fifth inning.
Saint Louis got on the board in the second inning when Bill Musselman doubled down the left field line. Casey Moore singled to right field scoring Musselman.
Saint Louis pitcher Ryan Bird threw a good game keeping the Trojans off balance. Bird threw five innings giving up five hits and one run. Relief pitcher Brock Hewitt (0-1)cam in and later gave up the home run to take the loss.
The gave was well defended and well pitched on both sides.
"This was a good game today," Pierce said. "Both pitchers threw well and both teams played good defense, but I'm glad to get the win."
The Trojans look to sweep the series on Sunday.
First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
