Troy University Athletics
Hammer's Homer Handles Hilltoppers
3/30/2008 5:00:00 AM | Softball
BOWLING GREEN,
“It was a big time play by a big time player. [Hammer] was struggling all weekend and we had already pinch-hit for her earlier but she stayed mentally strong and came through with the game on the line,” head coach Melanie Davis said.
Hammer was 0-for-7 on the series entering the at-bat.
“I felt like I hadn't contributed and that I needed to do something. I felt the pressure of the situation but I knew I could do it,” the junior catcher said.
“It feels good because I've been struggling and it gives me confidence in myself and hopefully it gives my teammates some confidence in me.”
Ashlyn Williams retired the side in the bottom of the seventh to complete the game and pick up her 19th victory of the season.
The Trojans had coasted to a 9-4 lead behind several clutch hits, including a bases clearing double by Katie Taber, but a Sam Cronk grand slam coupled with a Kelsey McCauley RBI tied things up at nine at the end of five.
Courtney Davis, Jessica Lyle, Rocky Paige and Tanya McLean also had RBI's for the Trojans.
Lead-off hitter Kaitlin Kenney was 4-for-5 with and RBI and three runs scored. She also stole a base.
“Kenney had no hitters luck yesterday as she hit a lot of balls hard, but they were right at people. She showed great maturity to still swing well and contribute,”
Heidi Johnson and Kala Moore also added stolen bases for the game.
Williams (7.0 IP, 12 H, 9 R, 2 BB; now 19-8) completed her 18th game.
The victory sealed up a series sweep for the Trojans, their second of the season and also ties them for their longest win streak of the season at five.
The series with WKU finally saw
“We've been talking about our offensive potential all season and we finally saw it this weekend. It was big for us to come through,” she said.
Davis and her coaching staff had challenged the players before the game to battle not get complacent after assuring themselves the series victory with two wins on Saturday.
“It was vitally important not just looking at the standings, but for seeding in the tournament. The tournament championship and automatic bid are going to be wide open to whoever plays the best over four days down at our place,”
