Troy baseball rides big inning past Rider in Gainesville Regional

Troy baseball is keeping its postseason dreams alive after a massive offensive explosion at the NCAA Gainesville Regional on Saturday. A season-high nine-run outburst in the sixth inning propelled the Trojans to a 15-7 victory over Rider, extending their 2026 campaign at least through Sunday.

A Record-Setting Sixth Inning

Trailing 4-2 after five and a half innings, the Trojans (33-30) turned the tide in a decisive 41-minute frame. The offense sent 14 men to the plate, with 10 consecutive batters reaching base to break the game open. Highlights of the onslaught included clutch three-run doubles from both Josh Pyne and Drew Nelson. By the time Rider’s relief pitching staff finally silenced the rally, Troy had completely shifted the momentum in their favor.

Path to Sunday

The marathon victory, which lasted four hours and seven minutes, keeps Troy alive in the regional tournament. The Trojans are now set for an elimination matchup at 11 a.m. Central on Sunday against the loser of the Miami vs. Florida contest.

Key Contributions

Left-hander Zach Crotchfelt earned the win on the mound, moving to 6-2 on the season after entering in the fifth inning and settling the game down with just six pitches. The offense remained relentless throughout the afternoon, with all nine of the Trojans' starting lineup recording at least one hit. By the end of the day, Troy had compiled 14 hits, 10 walks, and five hit-by-pitch instances.

Rider saw its season conclude with a 33-20 record despite jumping out to an early 4-2 lead. The Broncs relied on eight different pitchers throughout the contest, but they struggled to contain a Troy lineup that added four more runs in the eighth inning, even as rain began to fall at Condron Family Ballpark.