A Historic Run
The Troy Trojans baseball team has etched a new chapter in program history by reaching the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time. After an opening loss, the squad rallied to win four consecutive elimination games, culminating in a decisive victory over No. 8 national seed Florida.
The run was powered by a potent offense that exploded for 50 runs across the four games, while the pitching staff limited opponents to a modest total. Key contributions came from pitcher Mike Perez, whose steady arm kept Florida at bay, and clutch hitting from Chase Riddle, who delivered timely extra‑base hits.
Troy will now host Little Rock in a best‑of‑three series at Riddle-Pace Field this weekend. Game 1 is slated for Friday at 4 p.m. CT on ESPNU, followed by Game 2 on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT on ESPN2, with a potential Game 3 on Sunday if needed.
The achievement builds on a storied tradition that includes back‑to‑back national championships in 1986 and 1987. That 1986 title team, featuring future professionals and standout pitcher Mike Perez, staged a memorable comeback that still resonates with today’s players.
Coach Wendell Stephens praised the team’s resilience, noting that the experience will shape the program for years to come. The community’s excitement is palpable, as alumni and fans alike anticipate a possible run to the College World Series.