Trojans Bounce Back to Split Twin Bill

Saturday, March 11

Troy, Ala.

4 PM

Troy University

8-6

Hofstra

4-10

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Hofstra	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	5	2
Troy	2	0	1	0	0	2	2	0	X	7	9	0

Photo by: Joey Meredith

3/11/2017 7:42:00 PM | Baseball

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By: Jace Sanders

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TROY, Alabama – Brandon Lockridge's three RBIs led Troy to a 7-1 win over Hofstra to split the doubleheader and take the series lead Saturday night at Riddle-Pace Field.

The Trojans struck early and often – starting with a two-run homer from the bat of Lockridge in the first inning. He added an RBI single in the third to finish 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a walk.

Justin Friend contributed two RBIs of his own with a double down the line in left in the sixth inning. Overall, Troy strung together nine hits – with eight different Trojans hitting safely.

Austin Crook (2-0) made his second appearance of the season and had another quality start on the mound for Troy. Crook scattered only two hits over seven innings of work while striking out five.

Hofstra (4-10) was led by a 2-for-3 performance from Sean Rausch – who had the team's only extra-base hit and scored the only run. John Rooney (1-3) suffered the loss for the Pride after allowing five runs – four earned – on eight hits in six innings on the mound.

QUOTABLE
"(Austin) Crook did a great job locating his pitches and had a real good command of the ball," Troy head coach Mark Smartt said. "Tomorrow is a good chance to come out and compete to win the series outright."

"Drew (Frederic) set the tone with a single in his first time leading off," Troy sophomore Brandon Lockridge said. "Anytime you get ahead it's always good."

"I felt good tonight," winning pitcher Austin Crook said. "Our offense produced and gave us a chance to win. Pitching with runs on the board always makes it easier."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Early: In his first-ever leadoff experience, Drew Frederic ripped a single down the right field line. Brandon Lockridge stepped to the plate and hit his first home run of the season with a deep shot over the tents in "Doubles Alley".

With one out in the third, Frederic walked, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error to set up another RBI opportunity for Lockridge – who in turn delivered a single into left field to push the Trojan lead to 3-0.

Often: Troy scratched two runs across in both the sixth and seventh innings to add to their lead. In the sixth inning, Trevor Davis and Matt Sanders singled and Justin Friend doubled them home to pick up his ninth and tenth RBIs of the season.

Then in the seventh, aggressive base running brought in two more runs to stretch the lead to 7-0. Steven Whitaker and Drew Frederic both walked and successfully executed a double steal. Meanwhile, as the throw down to second skipped into center field, Whitaker scored and Frederic advanced to third. Later, Frederic scored after a wild pitch hit the backstop.

SOUND "SMARTT" WITH YOUR FRIENDS
• Another Trojan begins a hot streak, as Drew Frederic now has a six-game hitting streak of his own with hits in both games Saturday.

• Following tonight's win, the Trojans improve to 18-10 after a loss under head coach Mark Smartt.

WHAT'S UP NEXT?
The Trojans aim for the outright series win Sunday behind RHP Houston Mabray (1-0, 3.24). First pitch at Riddle-Pace Field is set for 12 p.m.