Trojans Blast Their Way to League-Opening Split Against Indiana Wesleyan

MARION, Ind. – Taylor (4-9, 1-1 CL) used the long ball to split the league-opening doubleheader against the No. 8 Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats (16-4, 1-1 CL).

The Trojans won the first game, 7-5, on the back of home runs by Alexi Clay and Lexi Abruzzo.

The Trojans quickly erased an early one-run deficit in the top of the second, scoring four times in the frame. Maddi Evans started the inning with a walk and advanced on a Caitlyn Grim doubled before scoring on an errant IWU throw. After Abruzzo reached on a dropped third strike with two outs, Clay cashed in on the miscues by blasting the first pitch of the at bat over the fence in dead center. That gave the Trojans a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The home run was Clay's first and gave Taylor a lead it would not relinquish.

Taylor extended its lead in the third with Evans leading the inning off with another walk. Abruzzo belted a line drive homer to right with two outs to push the lead to 6-1. Her first career home run forced the Wildcats into an early pitching change.

Evans was solid pitching four-and-one-third innings of two run ball. She worked her way around three hits and five walks to get the win, which pushed her to 3-3 on the season.

Cassy Lewis took over in the fifth, and held the lead for the Trojans. In her season debut, Lewis kept the hot hitting Wildcats at bay until the seventh, when they struck for three runs before Taylor finished off the opening win.

The offense struggled in game two, being shutout in a 3-0 loss.

The Wildcats scored all three runs in the second, totaling four of their five total hits in the frame.

Mackenzie Noah pitched brilliantly allowing runners in only three-of-six innings pitched. Noah did not walk a single Wildcat and struck out two total batters.

Aleyah Rastetter led the way offensively in game two with a single and a walk in two at-bats.

The Trojans continue league play on Thursday at home against Grace (5-9, 2-0 CL).