Trojans Secure Two Wins with Stellar Second Innings

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – Taylor (5-1) continued its strong start to the season on Friday, handing No. 24 Cumberlands (5-1) its first defeat, 6-4, before holding Cleary (2-3) scoreless, 2-0, in the second game.

The second inning was the difference maker for the Trojans Friday, scoring all eight runs of the day in the second frame on the way to two victories.

Aleyah Rastetter was monumental in game one, lacing three doubles to the outfield fence while scoring a run and collecting two RBI. Jersey Tannehill was the other Trojan to grab multiple hits, scoring a run and grabbing two RBI.

The Trojans took the lead in the second, Kaylee Larkin began the inning with a free pass, before Livie Lehmann belted her third double of the season to set up Tannehill to drive in both with a single up the middle. Two batters later, Madisyn Standridge laced a single to drive in Tannehill. Rastetter continued her terrific start to the year with a double to the warning track that drove in two more runs. Caitlyn Grim singled home Rastetter to complete the six-run inning.

Cassy Lewis (1-0) came in after the Patriots scored their fourth run to cut it to a two-run lead, in the fourth inning. Lewis shut down Cumberlands the rest of the way, earning her first win of the season.

Lewis tossed three and two-thirds innings, striking out three and not allowing a run to give TU a win in the opening game of the Bear Creek Tournament.

Mackenzie Noah (2-1) tossed a complete game shutout against Cleary to earn her second victory of the young season. Noah allowed seven baserunners, but none crossed the plate in another solid display in the circle by the sophomore.

The Cougars came closest to scoring right off the bat in the first when a single, stolen base, and passed ball placed a runner on third with two outs. The runner tried to score on another passed ball but was denied at the plate to keep the game scoreless.

The second inning was fruitful again for Taylor in its second game of the day, scoring two runs to take the lead.

Chelsea Bowland stepped to the plate with two outs and runners on first and second. Bowland lofted a perfectly placed hit down the left-field line that evaded the outfielder and allowed Tannehill and Brooke Sanchez to score.

The Trojans continue play in The Bear Creek Tournament on Saturday, February 18, with two more games, beginning with another matchup against Cleary (2-3) at 9:00 am, followed by facing RV Rio Grande (0-0) at 11:30 am in its season-opener.