Troy Baseball Defeated by ULM

Friday, March 21

Troy, Ala.

6:00pm

Troy University

12-10, 1-2

ULM

8-15, 1-3

ULM

Troy

3/21/2014 9:56:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Wes Johnson

Box Score

TROY, Ala. – The Troy baseball team couldn't maintain a middle-innings lead as the ULM Warhawks defeated the Trojans 7-4 on Friday night as the teams opened a three-game series at Riddle-Pace Field.

Troy (12-10, 1-2 Sun Belt) led 4-2 heading to the sixth inning when ULM scored a pair of runs on three hits off Trojan starter Tanner Hicks. The Warhawks would tack on three more runs in the seventh courtesy of three hits – two doubles – and a wild pitch.

Hicks (2-3) took the loss after pitching six innings. He allowed six runs – four earned – on seven hits. The Trojans produced base runners in each inning but finished the game stranding 13 and striking out 12 times.

Jo-El Bennett was 2-for-5 in the game. Garrett Pitts finished with two hits as well; he also walked three times. As a team, Troy walked eight times but was only able to produce two RBIs.

ULM (8-15, 1-3) scored twice in the second inning when four consecutive batters reached base. Kodie Tidwell opened the inning with a single up the middle and quickly stole second. Jeff Fuller followed with a walk and Jacob Stockton reached on an infield single on a one-hopper that deflected off Hicks' glove. A passed ball with the bases loaded allowed Tidwell to score while Chet Simoneaux also deflected a ball off Hicks to earn a single and score Fuller.

The Trojans would respond with two runs in the third. Pitts singled to center field and advanced on a balk by ULM starter Chris Hunt. A ground ball would allow Pitts to reach third before Nick Masonia walked. Hunt was then called for another balk allowing Pitts to cross the plate. On the next pitch, Masonia broke for third base, but the catcher's throw sailed high and Masonia scored easily to tie the game.

In the fifth, Pitts led off with four-pitch walk. Trevin Hall sacrificed him to second before David Hall laced a double into right-center field plating the run. The Trojans would extend its lead on a Matthew Howard double with two outs.

Carey Taylor (2-1) earned the win on the mound for the Warhawks pitching 3 1/3 innings allowing just one hit. In weekend series, Troy has now dropped three of six series openers.

The teams will continue the series tomorrow at 6 p.m. The series finale is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.