Trojans Record Comeback Victory over FAU

Sunday, April 17

Troy, AL

1:00 p.m.

Troy University

Florida Atlantic University

Photo by: Troy University

4/17/2011 3:29:58 PM | Softball

TROY scores four runs combined in fifth and sixth innings

By: Travis Jarome

Box Score

TROY, Ala. (TroyTrojans.com) – The Troy University softball team found themselves searching for their first hit in the fifth inning and down by three runs. They got their first hit, of the infield variety, then turned that into a four-run rally over the next two innings to come away with a 4-3 victory over Florida Atlantic in Sun Belt Conference play on Sunday afternoon.

TROY (27-20, 8-8 Sun Belt) found itself searching for its first hit in the fifth inning against Florida Atlantic (27-22, 11-7 Sun Belt) starter Rose Greeley, and their first base runner since Kelly Luquette led off the game with a walk.

After a strikeout to start the inning, Michelle Hewett beat out an infield single to short to break up the no-hitter and give the Trojans a base runner. The next batter for the Trojans, Sarah Shields, hit a ball up the middle that was mishandled by Florida Atlantic's defense that enabled the Trojans to get runners at first and second with one out in the inning.

After breaking up the no-hitter just two batters earlier, the Trojans broke up the shut out when Randi Ashworth lined a single to left center that scored Hewett from second and trimmed the deficit to 3-1 with one out in the inning. The next batter, Kacie McAllister, lined a double down the left field line that scored pinch runner Callie Rawlinson and trimmed the deficit to 3-2; before fellow freshman Taylor Smartt lined a two-out single just over the head of the infield to score Ashworth and tie the score at 3-all heading to the sixth inning.

TROY held Florida Atlantic scoreless in the top half of the sixth inning, before they came in and took their first lead of the afternoon. Hayden Gann led off the sixth inning with a blast off the left centerfield fence for a double, before Sarah Harris singled to left to score Gann and give the Trojans a 4-3 lead off of reliever Taylor Fawbush.

From there, it was Ashlyn Williams (14-12) in the seventh inning. The senior struck out Brittany Walker to start the inning, before giving up a double to Heather Barnes. With a runner at second, Williams showed some emotion on the mound with a fist pump as she struck out Greeley for the second out of the inning. After a walk to Fawbush, Williams recorded her third strike out of the inning – this time getting Carly Speerin to end the contest.

Williams finished the day with her 18th complete game of the season, throwing 139 pitches in the victory. The senior allowed three runs, while scattering nine hits and striking out 12 batters in the victory. Meanwhile, Hewett led the Trojans at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.

TROY returns to action on Tuesday afternoon against in-state foe UAB at the Troy Softball Complex. The game starts at 4 pm and is part of the NFCA Strikeout Cancer initiative. Fans are encouraged to wear pink, and donations will be taken up throughout the contest.

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