Offensive Onslaught Leads to Comfortable Taylor Win
UPLAND, Ind. – Taylor scored in every inning except the first frame, defeating Grace by a 15-5 margin. The game was scheduled to go nine innings but it ended by mercy rule, as the Trojans took a ten-run lead in the seventh inning.
Each batter in the starting lineup reached base at least once on the night, as the team batted .486. Five Trojans logged a multi-hit effort, including three with multiple runs batted in.
The offensive fire power was needed after a Grace (7-4, 3-1 CL) rally in the first inning gave the visitors a 3-0 advantage. TU (19-6, 2-2 CL) responded in the second inning with three runs of its own, behind a single by Jonathan Foster and double from Josh Lane each with the bases loaded.
The Lancers found a lead once again, posting a run in the top of the third inning. Brett Lawson and Ben Kalbaugh helped Taylor even the score at four runs apiece, as the duo tallied back-to-back hits to plate another run.
Clay Riggins took over on the mound in the fourth frame and shut down the Grace lineup. The senior righty delivered three innings without an earned run, while fanning four. Picking up the win, Riggins logged his fifth victory of the season.
While the Grace bats cooled off, the TU sluggers picked up the pace with seven runs in the fourth inning. Eight-consecutive Trojans reached base, as the team batted around the order. Throughout the lengthy rally, Taylor recorded three singles, three walks, a double and a triple.
Consistent scoring continued for the Purple and Gold, plating a runner in the fifth and sixth and two in the seventh to seal the victory.
Lawson highlighted the night for the Trojans, picking up four hits, while reaching base in all five at bats. Extra-base hits came early and often for Lawson, as he knocked three doubles through the seven inning contest. The junior third baseman finished with four RBI and four runs scored.
Another strong bat on Thursday was the leadoff man Lane, who went 3-for-5. The senior shortstop brought in three runs, while notching a single, double and triple.
No. 22 Taylor will return to action at Winterholter Field with a Saturday doubleheader at 1:00 pm against Grace