A Pair of Home Runs Helps RV TU Defeat Spring Arbor
UPLAND, Ind. – Two long balls in the fourth inning gave RV Taylor a lead that would persist through the final out for a 4-2 home victory on Friday.
The Trojans (25-11, 5-7 CL) have found the power in their lineup, tallying their eighth homer over the last five contests. Freshmen batters have led the way, combining for eight of the team’s 11 home runs on the year.
The offensive power came in the bottom of the fourth, as Ben Kalbaugh led off with a solo shot to centerfield. The rally continued with a walk and a single to put two runners on for another Taylor freshman, TJ Bass. The Greenwood, Indiana native blasted a three-run homer well over the leftfield fence, giving Taylor a 4-1 edge over Spring Arbor (14-20, 6-7 CL).
On the bump, Luke Shively picked up the win on Friday, marking his third of the season. The sophomore hurler started on the mound, posting five strong innings, including a stretch of five-consecutive strikeouts.
Relief pitching followed Shively with four scoreless frames to seal the win. Clay Riggins and Kole Barkhaus combined for five strikeouts, while only allowing one hit. Barkhaus completed the final two innings of the contest, snagging his fifth save of the year, which leads the team.
Friday’s narrow win over Spring Arbor was the 13th triumph for TU by two or fewer runs.
The Purple and Gold will continue its weekend series with Spring Arbor with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1:00 pm.