Troy University Athletics
Troy University
Tennessee
Baseball Battles Against Tennessee in 12-Inning Fall Ball Opener
10/11/2026 9:40:00 PM | Baseball
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Troy baseball concluded its fall exhibition opener with a 12-inning contest against Tennessee in Nashville on Sunday.
Eleven different arms took the mound for the Trojans, led by Preston Watkins, who was the lone pitcher to work multiple innings. Watkins was spotless across his two frames, fanning three Volunteers. Cooper Ellingworth, J.T. Long, Noah Marschke, and Joseph Taylor also added clean, scoreless outings out of the bullpen.
At the plate, Layne Akers got the scoring started in the third inning, launching a leadoff solo home run. The Trojans added two more in the frame through disciplined plate appearances, drawing three hit-by-pitches and an RBI walk from Caden Reeves.
Payton Knowles extended the Trojan lead in the sixth, singling before coming home on a Tennessee fielding miscue. Troy capitalized on another Volunteer error in the top of the ninth when Zaid Diaz reached base safely. With two outs, the Trojans mounted a clutch rally capped by a Jimmy Janicki single and a two-RBI double from Jabe Boroff to regain the lead.
Troy finished with 10 total hits, highlighted by a perfect 3-for-3 performance from Cooper Williams, who also added a run scored and a walk. On the mound, the Troy pitching staff combined for 13 strikeouts while issuing just two walks.
The Trojans return to fall action on Saturday, Oct. 17, when they host Samford at Riddle-Pace Field. First pitch is scheduled for noon. The contest will not be streamed, but fans interested in attending can purchase tickets here.
