RV Taylor Baseball Scores Victory in Season Opener

RV Taylor Baseball Scores Victory in Season Opener

Team Stats

January 23, 2021

TEMPE, Ariz. – The TU baseball squad (1-0) began the 2021 campaign with a 6-2 triumph on the road against Park University Gilbert (0-1). The Friday matchup featured a newcomer on the mound for TU, as Joe Moran picked up the win with 11 strikeouts.

The Anderson University transfer got the start on the mound and posted five scoreless frames. Moran nabbed 11 strikeouts, helping the Taylor pitching staff whiff 19 total batters on the night. Of all 27 outs in the contest, 70.4 percent of the Buccaneer outs were by way of strikeout.

The top of the lineup came out of the gates strong as well, scoring the first three batters of the game. Nick Rusche opened the game with a leadoff double, before Matt Dutkowski brought home two runs with a triple.

After a three-run first inning, TU added to its lead in the top of the fourth inning. Rusche reached base by way of a hit by pitch and then stole second. Kade Vander Molen sent Rusche to home plate with a single to centerfield.

The two teams went an even, 2-2, through the final four frames for the 6-2 final score. Luke Carlson sealed the win, allowing no hits, while striking out four in the final two innings.

Rusche scored half of TU's runs on Friday, scoring three times while going two-for-three at the plate. Ben Kalbaugh also posted a multi-hit effort, knocking three hits with a double in the win. The duo is familiar with hot starts, as both Rusche and Kalbaugh have landed a hit in all three season-openers in their careers.

Moran, Garrett Simmons and Cam Knepp all made their debut for the Trojans on Friday. Simmons posted a pair of strikeouts in his 0.2 innings on the bump. Knepp covered third base in the field and nabbed an RBI at the plate.

TU plans to continue its series with Park University Gilbert with a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 pm on Saturday.