Lady Raiders Blanked By Troy State

ATLANTA, Ga. - Middle Tennessee out-hit Troy State, 10-4, but it couldn't get the clutch hits with runners in scoring position in a frustrating 3-0 loss in the second game of the Buzz Classic Friday evening.

The Lady Raiders stranded runners in scoring position in the first, second and fourth innings and had base runners in every inning, but their inability to execute or manufacture runs kept the Lady Trojans in the game.

"We had opportunities throughout the game, but we just couldn't capitalize," said Lady Raider coach Cindy Connelly. "We put ourselves in position to come out of (Friday) with two wins in pool play, but we didn't execute when we had some chances to put ourselves out in front."

Middle Tennessee (10-8) was led by Leah Grothause, who was 3-for-4, while Cortney Mitchell and former Riverdale standout Melissa Weiland each collected two hits. Weiland just missed a home run in the second when Troy State center fielder Jenny Boyd made an acrobatic catch before crashing into the fence.

The game was scoreless into the fifth as Middle Tennessee pitcher Crystal Bobo (5-5) was tossing a one-hitter, but she lost command in the fifth and walked the bases loaded before giving way to freshman Trish White. The freshman from Mt. Juliet gave up a two-run double to Boyd as the Lady Trojans finally broke through with all the runs they would need.

The Lady Raiders will face Ball State Saturday at 11 a.m., followed by North Carolina at 1 p.m., to complete pool play.

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