Troy University Athletics
Troy University
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Troy Splits With ULM To Start Sun Belt Play
3/14/2012 10:24:00 PM | Softball
MONROE, La. – To open Sun Belt play, the Troy softball split the first two games of a three-game series against the ULM Warhawks on Wednesday.
In Game One, Troy (18-6, 1-1) got five solid innings from starter Ashley Rainey, who picked up her eighth win of the season against ULM. Offensively, the Trojans scored three runs in the game's first three innings and held on to beat the Warhawks, 4-3.
In Game Two, ULM (13-11, 1-4) starter Samantha Hamby pitched all eight innings against the Trojans, allowing just one run, which came off the bat of Troy third baseman Nikki Hollett on a solo home run in the top of the fourth.
ULM picked up the win on a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the eighth inning, which plated Janel Salanoa to give the Warhawks their first conference win of the season.
The Trojans and Warhawks finish out the three-game series Thursday afternoon at the ULM Softball Complex with first pitch set for 5:00 p.m.
Game One - TROY 4, ULM 3
For the second-straight game, the Trojans jumped out early scoring two runs in the top of the second inning.
Troy first baseman Hayden Gann scored all the way from first base, as a throw from ULM third baseman Alexis Cacioppo, who was fielding a bunt from Michelle Hewett, got past second baseman Miyuki Navarette and rolled into center field.
Second baseman would drive Troy's second run of the inning in, as the senior lined a RBI single into left field Routzon into left field to plate Hewett.
The Trojans would add a run in the top of the third, as Jaycee Affeldt scored on a fielder's choice from Kacie McAllister to give Troy a 3-0 lead.
After ULM scored a run in the bottom of the fifth on a squeeze bunt, Troy answered right back with as Affeldt knocked a two-out RBI single to left field that scored Taylor Smartt to bring the Trojans' lead back to 4-1.
The Warhawks picked up two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning of Troy reliever Sarah Thomas. Janel Salanoa's RBI ground out back to Thomas allowed Navarette to score from third base to cut the Troy lead down to 4-2.
Two batters later, ULM designated player Charlotte Pastor's infield single plated Alexis Cacioppo to give Troy a one run lead heading to the seventh inning.
Thomas would work two innings in relief, allowing two runs on two hits, while walking two and striking out one.
ULM pitcher Jessica Chastka retired the side in order in the top of the seventh, as senior pitched 4.2 innings in relief of starter Stephanie Routzon. Chastka allowed just one run in her appearance and slowed the Trojans bats down through the final four innings.
Ashley Rainey (8-2) re-entered the game in the circle in the bottom of the seventh and the freshmen took little time end the game as she retired the side in order to give Troy its first conference win of the season.
The freshman pitched five innings in all against the Warhawks, going the first four innings, and then finishing the Warhawks off in the bottom of the seventh.
At the plate, Troy picked up eight hits, but left nine runners on base against ULM. Both Affeldt and Shields were 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Six other Trojans picked up a hit in the victory, while seven of nine starters recorded at least one base hit.
Game Two - ULM 2, TROY 1 (8 inn.)
In the second game of the night, Troy was held hitless through the first three innings by ULM starting pitcher Samantha Hamby.
In the bottom of the third inning, ULM struck first with a two-out RBI double by Janel Salanoa that Mikyuki Navarrete to give the Warhawks' a 1-0 lead.
With two outs in the top of the fourth, Troy got its first hit in a big way, as senior third baseman Nikki Hollet belted her third home run of the season to tie the game at 1-1.
Troy had a shot to take the lead for the first time in the game in the top of the seventh, as pinch hitter Caitlin Ortiz reached on a single to right center to put the go-ahead run on base.
The Trojans missed another opportunity after a leadoff walk to Hannah Renn put the go-ahead run on base for Troy.
But, the very next pitch, Michelle Hewett's attempted bunt was popped up to ULM third baseman Alexis Cacioppo. Charging from third base, Cacioppo made the catch, then quickly fired to first to double off Renn, who had strayed too far off first base.
ULM would take advantage of the miscue in the bottom of the eighth, as Janel Salanoa led off the inning reaching on an infield single. Warhawk catcher Roxy Cassel punched a single through the right side of the infield to give ULM runners on first and second with no outs.
In her eighth inning of work, Jaycee Affeldt allowed a walk to Kayla Boening on four pitches to bring ULM designated player Charlotte Pastor to the plate with no outs.
Pastor would work a walk on five pitches to bring Salanoa from third to give the Warhawks a 2-1 victory over the Trojans.
Affeldt (5-4) took the loss in extra innings, pitching a career-high eight innings against ULM, striking out five while walking four and surrendering nine hits.
Samantha Hamby (4-2) picked up the complete game victory for the Warhawks, allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out five.
At the plate, Troy recorded just three hits, the bright spot being the home run from Hollett in the top of the fourth to tie the game. Renn and Ortiz picked up the Trojans' hits in the loss.
In the second game of the series, ULM scattered nine hits. Salanoa led the Warhawks with a 3-for-4 performance, driving in one RBI and scoring the game-winning run. Miyuki Navarrette and Pastor picked up multiple hits for the Warhawks.
After starting off the year 3-0 in extra inning games, Troy has lost two straight extra-inning games.
More information on Troy softball, check back with TroyTrojans.com. For live in-game updates on Twitter, make sure to follow @TroySBall and @iamtylerpigg.
