No. 22 Trojans Complete Series Sweep Over Grace

No. 22 Trojans Complete Series Sweep Over Grace

UPLAND, Ind. – The TU baseball squad took both games in Saturday’s doubleheader, sinking the Lancers by a 10-2 final score in game one and a 9-3 margin in game two. The pair of wins secured the three-game series sweep to move TU to the top of the Crossroads League.

Taylor’s offense was dominant in the three games against Grace (7-6, 3-3 CL), tallying a .404 batting average, .460 on-base percentage and a .545 slugging percentage. The squad also averaged 11.3 runs per game, while landing a positive 24 scoring margin.

Game one was dominated by the Trojans (21-6, 4-2 CL), as Luke Shively opened the game with a solid four innings on the mound. Picking up his second win of the season, Shively fanned eight batters, while allowing just two unearned runs.

Two runs in the first and six runs in the third inning gave the Purple and Gold an early 8-0 advantage. Brett Lawson continued his sensational week, posting a two-RBI double in the bottom of the first frame. The junior notched four doubles and seven RBIs for a .636 average and 1.000 slugging percentage in three games against Grace.

Four Trojans grabbed multiple hits in game one with Ben Kalbaugh leading the way with three hits in four at bats.

TU’s starting pitcher in the second game, Justin Pettit, was in total control with five strikeouts in the first two innings. The North Vernon, Indiana native compiled seven strikeouts, while going 3.2 innings without an earned run.

Holding a mere one-run lead after the fourth inning, Cy Stanley came in for a crucial relief effort. The freshman lefty entered the game with runners on second and third and got out of the jam to throw a hitless and scoreless 4.1 innings on his way to a win.

The Trojans rallied in the sixth inning to break open in the team’s advantage. Four singles and a double plated four in the frame.

Wyatt Whitman provided a big bat with a double in the sixth inning rally and a triple in the third frame for two RBIs.

The eight and nine hole hitters, Brian Fields and Christian McGill, brought strength to the bottom of the order, combining for four hits and four RBIs. The duo also scored three times in game two.

No. 22 Taylor (21-6, 4-2 CL) will return to the diamond on Tuesday for a doubleheader against Cincinnati-Clermont at 4:00 pm at Winterholter Field.