Trojans Toss a Pair of Shutouts in Dominant Sweep of Defiance

Trojans Toss a Pair of Shutouts in Dominant Sweep of Defiance
March 4, 2025

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Taylor (7-1) continued its hot start to the season with a pair of shutout victories over Defiance (2-6) on a neutral field Tuesday afternoon.

Mackenzie Noah and Claire Cullen threw a pair of shutouts as the offense came alive in the second game to outscore the Yellow Jackets 22-0.

The Trojans opened the scoring in the opener in the third inning, with Emri Agre and Grace Mullins crossing the plate on a double by Livie Lehmann, who sits at six doubles and ten extra-base hits in eight games this season.

Agre and Delaynee McCreary used their speed in the fourth to cross the plate, each swiping a pair of bags including a double steal allowing McCreary to score.

Madisyn Standridge capped the scoring in the fifth after Kaylee Larkin ripped a double to drive her in after the third baseman hit a single to start the frame. Larkin ended the day with four hits, tying her with Lehmann for the most on the squad.

Noah (3-0) was stellar inside the circle with a complete game shutout allowing two hits and two walks while striking out three batters in a gem for the sensational senior.  

TU's offense showed out in the second game plating 17 runs and scoring two or more in all four innings at the plate. Lehmann led the offense with three hits including a three-run home run in the second for her fourth long ball of the year. The shortstop had four RBI and two runs scored as she continues her impressive start to the season.

A balanced offense saw ten Trojans collect a hit and 12 cross the plate. Impressive performances were aplenty including a 3-3 effort off the bench for Hannah Lickey and a pair of knocks in two at bats by Emily Guthrie.

Cullen (3-0) held the Yellow Jackets scoreless in five frames, giving up three hits and a pair of walks while striking out four batters to continue a terrific start to her debut collegiate season.

Taylor is scheduled to begin a home slate with a doubleheader against IU South Bend (2-6) on Friday, March 7, with first pitch set for 4:00 pm.