Troy Opens Skylar Meade Era With a 2-1 Win Over Holy Cross

Friday, February 18

Troy, Ala.

4 p.m.

Troy University

1-0

Holy Cross

0-1

Holy Cross

Troy

Photo by: Joey Meredith

Troy Opens Skylar Meade Era With a 2-1 Win Over Holy Cross

2/18/2022 8:00:00 PM | Baseball

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By: Troy Athletics Communications

TROY, Ala. – The Skylar Meade era and the 2022 season began with a win as the Trojans defeated Holy Cross, 2-1, Friday night at Riddle-Pace Field thanks to a Colin Summerhill go-ahead home run in the bottom of the eighth inning.

"I was happy to get off on the right foot," head coach Skylar Meade said. "1-0 certainly feels better than 0-1. It was a good night for our guys, and we had some offensive struggles, but I think we will adjust and get the offense going moving forward."

Summerhill, who made his Trojan debut after transferring to Troy from Triton College, took a fastball 356 feet over the left-field fence for his first hit, run, and RBI as a Trojan.

Reigning Sun Belt Freshman of the year, Garrett Gainous got the start on the mound for the Trojans. The sophomore went 5.1 innings with eight strikeouts, giving up five hits and two walks.

For the Crusaders, Jack DiLauro went six innings giving up one hit, one earned run, three walks, and striking out nine.

In the bottom half of the third inning, the Trojans played their first run of the season after a William Sullivan walk with the bases loaded brought home Rigsby Mosley to give Troy the 1-0 lead.

Freshman Grayson Stewart came in for relief, and the Crusaders tied the game in the top of the sixth after Angelo D'Acunto laid down a sacrifice bunt back to the pitcher plating Sam Kirkpatrick.

After not playing last year due to injury, Stewart picked up his first career win after going 2.2 innings, striking out four, and allowing two hits.

Picking up eight saves last season, senior Marquez Oates got his first of the year after sending Holy Cross down in order to secure the victory in the top of the ninth.

Notable:

This is the fourth straight opening day win for the Trojans
After an early jam in the top of the first inning, Trey Leonard introduced himself to Trojan fans as he made a diving catch in left-center field to help Ganious strand a runner at third base.
The Crusaders had a runner in the first three innings but failed to score.
The Trojans had one hit up until the bottom of the seventh inning when Jesse Hall singled up the middle, but the Trojans weren't able to capitalize.

Up Next: The Trojans continue their series with the Crusaders Saturday with a doubleheader. The first pitch of game one is scheduled for noon, and game two will follow 30 minutes after.