Johnson Blanks Appalachian State

Thursday, April 14

Troy, Ala.

6 p.m.

Troy University

23-13, 9-7

Appalachian State

23-16, 7-7

Appalachian State

Troy

4/14/2022 9:12:00 PM | Softball

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By: Troy Athletics Communications

TROY, Ala. – Leanna Johnson hurled a one-hit shutout to down Appalachian State, 2-0, in the first game of a crucial Sun Belt Conference series Thursday at the Troy Softball Complex.

Johnson (15-7) gave up just one hit in the top of the second inning and a trio of walks to pick up her 15^th win of the season. The junior fanned seven Mountaineers over her 7.0 innings of work.

The Trojans (23-13, 9-7 Sun Belt) struck first in the bottom of the opening frame when Libby Baker ripped a single up the middle to plate Kelly Horne, who reached after smashing the first triple of her career.

Appalachian State's (23-16, 7-7 Sun Belt) Addie Wray singled to shallow left field in the top of the second to record the Mountaineers lone hit of the game, but a strikeout and a groundout left her stranded.

In the bottom half of the inning, Audra Thompson battled through a 10-pitch at bat and ripped a single through the left side. Kennedi Gaton followed with a walk that moved Thompson into scoring position and set up Logan Calhoun for an RBI double.

Johnson would hold the Mountaineers to just one baserunner through the next five innings to give the Trojans the win in game one.

Delani Buckner (10-7) suffered the loss for Appalachian State, allowing a pair of runs off five hits and four walks.

Quotable – Co-Interim Head Coach Taylor Smartt
"It felt good to get back in the win column, especially in front of our home crowd. Our offense plated the runs we needed, and Leanna pitched a great game. Kennedi Gaton made some big time plays for us at third base, allowing us to come away with the win."

Notable

With the win, Troy snapped a four-game losing streak.
Kelly Horne drew her 94^th career walk in tonight's contest. The junior moves into a tie for third in Troy's career walks record.
With the one-hitter, Leanna Johnson recorded her 11^th game this season where she gave up three or fewer hits.

Next Up
Due to inclement weather expected in the Troy area this weekend, the Trojans and Mountaineers will close out the series in a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 3 p.m.