Klebesadel, Trojans Escape Jam in Seventh to Earn Split with Marian
Game One Box I Game Two Box I Photo Gallery
UPLAND, Ind.– Leading 3-2 in the top half of the seventh frame, Hannah Klebesadel and the Taylor softball infield escaped a bases loaded, no out jam to hold on for the win in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader. Marian was able to take game one 4-2.
Marian opened the seventh inning with three straight hits and was able to cut its deficit down to just one run. After intentionally walking Marian center fielder Chelsey Hartman to load the bases, Klebesadel dialed in and forced two consecutive fielder's choice ground balls off the bats of Ebby Campbell and Kaitlyn Williamson, respectfully. Shortstop Anna Gunderson fielded both balls cleanly and made two excellent throws to catcher Taylor Murray at home plate for the force out.
With two outs now recorded, bases still loaded and the narrow 3-2 lead in tact, Klebesadel threw her seventh strikeout of the contest to seal the deal. The senior improved to an unbeaten 5-0 mark from the circle this season with the complete game performance, allowing just two earned runs on ten hits and four walks to hand Marian its first loss in Crossroads League play. Marian starter Cassie Perry was charged with the loss from the circle.
All of Taylor's run production in the game came via the home run off Perry, as Lauren Ehle blasted two solo shots in the first and fourth innings. Ehle has now hit five home runs on the season, three of which have come over the last four games at Gudakunst Field. Davis Carter homered over the left field fence one out later in the fourth to build the 3-1 lead.
Ehle went a perfect 3-3 from the plate, while Carter continued to swing the bat well by going 2-3. Jessica Britt and Gunderson each had singles as well to account for Taylor's seven hits in game two.
Marian was able to hold on for a 4-2 lead in Saturday's opener. Taylor scored first to grab a 1-0 lead after three innings played, as Ehle drove in Erin Tice with an RBI single through the hole at second base.
The Knights responded with three runs in the top half of the fourth, and after two scoreless innings in the fifth and sixth Marian extended its lead to 4-1with a solo home run to center field from catcher Ebby Campbell in the top of the seventh.
Britt got on base with a single to get things started for Taylor and came around to score after a hit from Tice was misplayed in center field. Tice advanced to second base on the play with just one out and the tying run at the plate, but two well hit balls from Alex Lovelace and Gunderson were caught to conclude the opener.
Ashley Miller was charged with the loss for Taylor from the circle, allowing four earned runs on nine hits and just one walk in all seven innings pitched. Amanda Wintrow earned the win for Marian with a complete game to improve to 11-1 on the season.
RV Taylor (16-10, 10-4 CL) has a busy week of softball ahead with five doubleheaders scheduled over a six day period. The Trojans will open that stretch by traveling to Saint Francis on Monday. Game one of the doubleheader is set for 3:00 pm.
