Burge Pitches Troy Past WKU

Saturday, March 22

Bowling Green Ky.

3:00 PM

Troy University

Western Kentucky

3/22/2008 5:00:00 AM | Baseball

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Senior Travis Burge tossed the game of his life in a complete game, 5-3 win over Western Kentucky, Saturday afternoon at Nick Denes Field.

“Travis pitched a great game for us today,” coach Bobby Pierce said. “He located his pitches and our guys played well behind him. This was another big conference win for us and we didn't have to use any of our bullpen so they will be rested in case we need them tomorrow.”

Burge (4-1) was the first Trojan pitcher to go the distance this season. He allowed three runs on 10 Hilltopper hits while only walking one and striking out two. Burge allowed a hit in every inning but did not allow a runner past second base after a home run in the fourth inning.

“I felt good today but I really want to thank my teammates,” Burge said. “I'm glad to get the win and throw the whole game but my teammates backed me up all day and helped out a lot.”

Burge allowed pinch-hitter, Jeremy Coleman to reach base in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs but Pierce had faith in his pitcher.

“I didn't want to come out in the ninth,” Burge said. “I felt that I could get the batter and I am glad that they left me in.”

“I really liked that match-up with Travis and their batter,” Pierce said. “He had thrown a good game and I wanted him to finish it. It was his game and it is a very special day for him.”

WKU (10-8, 3-5) scored a run in the top of the first inning when Scott Kaskie reached on an error by Bert Pettus. Kaskie stole second and advanced to third on a throwing by catcher, Beau Brooks. He scored on an RBI groundout by Terrance Dayleg for the 1-0 lead.

Troy (15-7, 4-1) took the lead with two runs in the top of the second inning. Lance Miller doubled down the line in right field and advanced to third on a single form Trevor Tyre. Charley Williams loaded the bases with a one-out walk. Freshman Adam Bryant singled in two runs on a hit to right field to reclaim the lead at 2-1.

WKU's Wade Gaynor doubled to right field in the bottom of the second inning and scored on an RBI groundout by Matt Rice knotting the game at 2-2.

The Trojans added three runs in the third inning when Bryan Miller doubled and scored on a double by Brooks. Michael Precise belted a Matt Ridings pitch over the wall in left center for his third home run of the season and giving Troy the 5-2 lead.

Gaynor hit a home run for WKU in the fourth inning for the 5-3 score.

Ridings (4-1) took his first loss of the season. He went six and 2/3 innings allowing five runs on nine Trojans hits while walking three and striking out four.

Gaynor led the Hilltoppers with three hits. J.B. Paxson added two hits.
Eight of the nine Trojan batters had a hit in the game with all nine reaching base. Precise was the only player with two hits. Bryant and Precise each added two RBI.

“Tomorrow will be a huge game for both teams,” Pierce said. “We are looking to sweep them and they are trying not to get swept. They are a good team and it is always tough to get a sweep on the road.”

The Trojans will go for the sweep Sunday afternoon at Nick Denes Field. First pitch is set for 1 pm.