Brentz Leads Rally in 11-10 Loss

Middle Tennessee committed three errors in the game but had crucial outs to innings including two caught stealing, a rundown at third and one double play. ()

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee rallied in the bottom of the ninth scoring six runs on five hits but it was not enough as Troy took the 11-10 win.

The ninth inning was highlighted by freshman Bryce Brentz who made it a one run game with his two-run home run to left field.

Brentz ended the day a single short of the cycle going 4 for 5 including a triple and two doubles and four RBI.

"We didn't have a comeback because we didn't tie it up all we did was get closer. We have lived by the bat all year and Troy swung it outstanding. We swung with them and if you add it all up it was a tie in the run total. It was an interesting day, the wind was gusting out to start the day and then halfway through game two it started blowing straight in which happens in Tennessee," head coach Steve Peterson said.

Middle Tennessee (22-21-1, 11-14) committed three errors in the game but had crucial outs to innings including two caught stealing, a rundown at third and one double play.

"You have to give Troy credit though. We didn't play very good defense and gave away too many freebies," Peterson said.

Senior Langdon Stanley (3-2) took the loss as he allowed eight runs, four earned on 12 hits in six and a third innings of work.

Adamson was the only Blue Raider used in relief as he allowed one run on two hits in two and two-thirds innings of work.

Adding assistance at the plate were senior Zach Barrett and juniors Rawley Bishop and Grant Box who each had two hits in the game.

The Blue Raiders notched 13 hits in the loss with six doubles, a triple and one home run leaving six runners on base.

Troy started the scoring on a two-run home run by Steven Felix in the top of the first inning. The Trojans added another run on an error by Burnett. Troy added another run on a single by Felix to take a 4-0 lead after two innings.

McDade helped put the first run on the board for the Blue Raiders as his single up the middle allowed Box to score from second.

Troy added two unearned runs in the fourth but the Blue Raiders answered with a run of their own to keep the Trojans' lead at three.

Troy took a four run lead, 7-3, over the Blue Raiders on a solo home run by Michael Precise.

Middle Tennessee scored one run on two hits in the bottom of the sixth to keep the Trojans within three runs.

Troy scored three runs in the top of the seventh, including two on walks issued by Adamson with the bases loaded to extend its lead to six.

Middle Tennessee closed the gap in the bottom of the ninth scoring two runs on two singles making it a five run game. The Blue Raiders added another run on a double by Bishop. Brentz made it a one run game, 11-10, with his three-run shot to left field.

Middle Tennessee will be back in action on Sunday, May 4 at 1 p.m. in the final game of its series with Troy.