Wheeler Tosses Complete Game in 4-0 Win

Friday, April 18

Troy, Ala.

6:00 PM

Troy University

Arkansas- Little Rock

4/18/2008 5:00:00 AM | Baseball

TROY, Ala.- Sophomore Tim Wheeler tossed his first career complete game Friday night in a 4-0 win over Arkansas-Little Rock at Riddle-Pace Field.

“This was a great performance by Tim and how he commanded the game,” head coach Bobby Pierce said. “He pitched exactly how he is supposed to. When he is on his game, he gets ground balls and we got several ground ball outs to go along with several double plays.”

Wheeler (3-4) went the distance allowing five hits and UALR only managed more than one hit in an inning once. He walked two and struck out two in the game.

In the bottom of the second inning the Troy put the first run on the board when Bryan Miller singled to center field. Trevor Tyre reached base on an infield single and Brock Kelley reached base after taking a pitch off of his leg. Miller scored on a RBI single from Adam Bryant to give the Trojans the 1-0 lead.

Michael Precise belted his eighth home run of the season in the bottom of the third inning to give Troy the 2-0 advantage.

Troy extended its lead in the bottom of the fifth inning when Bryant singled to shortstop. He scored on a RBI double off the bat of Precise for the 3-0 lead.

The Trojans added another run in the bottom of the seventh inning when Felix led off with a single to right center. Miller doubled down the right field line scoring Felix and giving Troy the 4-0 final score.

“We did some good things at the plate tonight and we also did some thing that I didn't like,” Pierce said. “Michael Precise is swinging a hot bat and we need others to catch fire and join him.”

Miller and Precise led Troy at the plate each going 3-for-4. Precise had two RBI. Bryant also chipped in two hits.

Senior Ryan Ellison will toe the rubber for Troy tomorrow night.

Troy and UALR will square off in the second game of the series tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 6 pm.