By Michael Shipma

Despite 13 strikeouts and a lead that lasted through eight innings, the Troy baseball team fell 2-1 to No. 22 Alabama at home on Tuesday night.

Junior right fielder Trevor Davis batted in the lone run for the Trojans (7-2, 0-0 Sun Belt), who posted seven hits against the Crimson Tide’s (7-1, 0-0 SEC) pitchers.

After a pair of scoreless innings, Troy broke open the scoring with Davis’ single to right field that put the Trojans on top early.

Gill was a force from the mound for the Trojans, giving up just three hits and keeping numerous Tide base runners that were in scoring position from getting home.

After four innings, Gill was replaced by senior Robert Harris, who had similar success as the Trojans’ starting pitcher. Harris pitched 2.2 innings for Troy, striking out four batters and walking none.

Alabama stormed back in the fifth inning, looking to take the lead after filling the bases with two hits and a walk. Harris halted the comeback, however, striking out the Tide’s center fielder Georgie Salem on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded to close out the inning and preserve the lead.

Salem bounced back in a big way in the top of the eight, however, scoring one of two runs for the visitors in the inning. Troy never seemed to get any offensive rhythm going after that, as the Crimson Tide stole the road victory.

Sophomore catcher Matt Sanders led the Trojans offensively, batting two for four, including a double down the left field line on a full count in the first inning.

“Give them credit,” head coach Mark Smartt said after the game. “I was really proud of our team and how they played. We just didn’t get enough hits, and weren’t able to move guys around. It was a great game, but we couldn’t find a way to win.”

The Trojans return to the diamond on Wednesday when they travel to Birmingham to take on UAB. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.