BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- The Troy Trojans scored a run in the top of
the ninth to take the 5-4 lead and ultimately sink Western Kentucky Friday night at Nick Denes Field.
“This was a huge win for this team,” coach Bobby Pierce
said. “The courage in this club is
amazing. We kept fighting and we never
rolled over and that is a credit to this team.
They refuse to quit.”
Troy
(14-7, 3-1 SBC) used a lead-off single by Bart Pettus in the top of the ninth
inning. Bryan Miller singled advancing
Pettus to third but Miller was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a
double. Michael Precise singled and
scored Pettus for the winning run.
The Trojans scored a run in the top of the eighth inning to
knot that game 4-4. Lance Miller singled
and was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Trevor Tyre. Pinch-hitter, Josh Blackwell came through
again when called upon. Blackwell
singled through the left side scoring Miller and setting the table for the
Trojans in the ninth.
Western Kentucky's (10-7,
3-4) Scott Kaskie led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run to
left field giving the Toppers the early 1-0 lead.
Troy
answered the scoring inning with two runs in the top of the second. Tyre
singled to right fieldand was followed by a single from Daryl Otwell. Freshman Adam Bryant singled through the
right side scoring both runners and giving the Trojans the 2-1 lead.
The Trojans added a run in the third inning when Lance Miller plated Beau Brooks, who walked earlier in the inning for the 3-1
advantage.
WKU added a run in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to
reclaim the 4-3 lead.
Sophomore Tim Wheeler pitched a gem for the Trojans. He tossed seven innings and gave up four runs
(three earned) on nine Hilltopper hits.
HE only walked one batter while striking out four.
J.J. Whetsel followed Wheeler but didn't last long after
taking a Brooks throw off the head.
Brooks fired a ball back up the middle trying to throw a runner out
trying to steal but the ball glanced off of Whetsel's head thus ending his day.
Josh Storm (2-0) came on in relief of Whetsel and earned the
win. He threw an inning and gave up one
hit while walking one batter and striking out three.
Pettus, Lance Miller and Bryant each had two hit for the
Trojans.
The Trojans will try and win the series in the second game
of the series Saturday afternoon. First
pitch is scheduled for 3 pm.
