TROY Sweeps WKU, Claims Series

Saturday, April 9

Troy, AL

1:00 p.m.

Troy University

Western Kentucky University

Photo by: Troy University

4/9/2011 5:57:29 PM | Softball

Teams will play third game of series on Sunday afternoon

By: Travis Jarome

Box Score (Game 1) :: Box Score (Game 2)

TROY, Ala. (TroyTrojans.com) – The Troy University softball team claimed their first series win in Sun Belt Conference play, sweeping Western Kentucky University in a pair of one-run games on Saturday at the Troy Softball Complex.

TROY (24-18, 5-7 Sun Belt) used the arm of Ashlyn Williams to claim a 1-0 victory in game one of the series, before coming from behind in the nightcap for a 7-6 victory. The two victories run the Trojans winning streak to three consecutive games, as they have now won four of their last contests – all conference game.

In the opener, Williams (11-11) evened her record for the year as she pitched her second complete game of the week and 14th of the season. The senior allowed just two hits in the shutout, striking out seven WKU batters. It is 33rd time in her career that Williams has not allowed a run in an outing for the Trojans.

TROY scored the lone run of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning after the two teams were caught in a pitcher's duel between Williams and WKU's Kim Wagner (10-8). The bottom of the sixth inning started off with the first two batters reaching base for the Trojans, as Kelly Luquette was hit by a pitch and Taylor Smartt reached on an error by the Lady Toppers.

Senior Ashley Adkins was inserted into the game to run for Smartt, and she and Luquette advanced to third on a single to left by Nikki Hollett. With the bases loaded and no one out, Hayden Gann hit into a fielder's choice as Luquette was thrown out attempting to score; however, the Trojans scored the lone run as the next batter Michelle Hewett lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Adkins sliding around the tag at the plate.

In the nightcap, WKU (21-19, 3-8 Sun Belt) jumped to an early 5-1 lead after just two innings on the strength of a pair of home runs from Kelsie Mattox and Amanda Walden. The lead stayed there until the Trojans started chipping away, pulling to within 5-3 in the fifth inning.

The comeback started in the bottom of the sixth for the second straight contest as the Trojans sent seven batters to the plate to face a pair of Lady Topper pitchers; including Wagner (10-9).

Smartt got things rolling for the Trojans in the bottom of the sixth inning as she drew a two-out walk, followed by a wild pitch to get her to second and another two-out walk to Hollett. Wagner came on to pitch to Gann, who was promptly walked to load the bases. Junior Randi Ashworth delivered the big blow for the Trojans as she connected on a two-out, two-strike triple to left to clear the bases and give the Trojans the lead, which was extended to 7-5 after a throwing error on the play allowed the junior to score.

Morgan Grove (8-4) picked up the victory with two stints in the game, as she went 3 2/3 innings allowing four runs on six hits. Williams came on to record the save, her third of the season, going one inning with one run and one hit allowed in the appearance. The save moves Williams into second all-time at the school with eight career saves.

On the day, Hollett led the Trojans at the plate, going 4-for-6; while Sarah Harris was 3-for-6 on the day in the two games.

The two teams will finish off the series Sunday afternoon at 1 pm at the Troy Softball Complex, with first pitch set for 1 pm. Admission is free to all home TROY softball games.

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