Trojans Split Third Day Of The Trojan Classic

Friday, February 16

Troy, Ala.

2 p.m.

Troy University

7-2

Gardner-Webb

4-2

Gardner-Webb

Troy

Trojans Split Third Day Of The Trojan Classic

2/17/2024 9:10:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Photo Gallery

By: Athletics Communications

Troy, Ala. – The Troy softball team splits games at the Troy Softball Complex on the third day of the Trojan Classic. The Trojans ended their first game against Florida A&M early with a 10-1 run-rule win before falling to Indiana, 2-1, to end the day.

Taylor McKinney and D'Aun Riggs powered the Trojans (8-4) offensively in the opening game. McKinney hit a perfect 2-for-2 with a double and three RBIs. Riggs hit 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

The Trojans had impressive outings by seniors Haley Pittman and Libby Baker. Pittman was crucial in Troy's opening victory. The southpaw entered the game and left the Lady Rattlers with the bases loaded. While Baker limited the Hoosiers (7-2) to just two runs in seven innings.

Game One: Troy 10, Florida A&M 1

The Trojans led the opening game wire-to-wire, opening the action in the second frame. Sara Beth Brake stepped up to the plate and hammered a two-run homer over the center field wall for her first hit in cardinal red.

Troy found themselves in trouble when the Lady Rattlers loaded the bases in the top of the fourth inning. Haley Pittman entered the game for the Trojans and shut FAMU down after they plated a run, striking out two batters and leaving three runners stranded.

The Trojans blew the game away in the bottom of the frame when they scored seven runs. The two-out rally began with a five-pitch walk by Brake. Natalie Turner immediately brought her home with an RBI triple.

D'Aun Riggs and Jade Sinness hopped in on the action, knocking back-to-back singles before Taylor McKinney drove them in with a double to the warning track. After a fielding error and walk, Anslee Finch stepped into the batter's box with two runners on and a seven-run lead. Finch delivered by ripping a double in the left-field gap to clear the bases and set Troy up for the early finish.

Pittman retired the side after giving up a base hit to earn her first win of the season. The senior southpaw finished with three strikeouts in two innings and lowered her ERA to 2.19 on the season.

Game Two: Indiana 2, Troy 1

The Trojans got themselves an early lead in the opening frame with an RBI fielder's choice that brought Audra Thompson home. The Hoosiers answered back with an RBI single by Sarah Stone.

Impressive pitching performances by Baker and Sophie Klieman kept the game in a deadlock until the top of the seventh inning.

Taylor Minnick stepped into the batter's box for Indiana after a single by Brooke Benson and a walk drawn by Cora Bassett. Minnick delivered with an RBI single to give the Hoosiers the lead and ultimately the win.

Thoughts from Coach Newell

"This nightcap against Indiana was a pitcher's duel. It was a great battle against a team that will probably finish in the top four of the Big 10 and we were able to go toe-to-toe with them. I'm really proud of Libby Baker and her ability to compete against a strong team."

Notables

Sarah Beth Brake recorded her first Division I hit and first homer with her two-run bomb against FAMU.
Haley Pittman earned her first win of the season, pitching two innings of relief and fanning three batters against FAMU.
Troy's 10-hit performance against Florida A&M marks their fourth game and second in a row recording double-digit hits.

Troy's run-rule victory marks their fourth of the season. The Trojans have run-ruled four of their last six matchups.
Libby Baker's final stat line against No.21 Indiana: Seven innings, two runs and three strikeouts.