Softball Opens Crossroads League Play with Sweep of Grace
Game One Box I Game Two Box I Photo Gallery
UPLAND, Ind. – Taylor softball took to Gudakunst Field for the first time this season on Wednesday and came away with two Crossroads League victories in the twin bill against Grace.
The Trojans prevailed 4-0 in the opener and 7-4 in the nightcap. Sophomore Hannah Robbins was dominant from the circle in game one and earned the complete game shutout, amassing eight strikeouts while giving up just one hit and a walk in the exceptional start.
Robbins was extremely efficient in this one, throwing just 81 pitches to improve her record to 3-2 in the circle while bringing her ERA down to a mark of 1.21 on the season.
The Taylor bats were able to provide scoring support with two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. Taylor Murray got things going in the fourth with two outs already recorded, stroking her first home run of the season, a no-doubter to left field on a 3-2 count. Morgan Allison doubled in the next at-bat and was able to come around to score after an Alex Lovelace RBI single.
In the fifth inning, it was Lauren Ehle that blasted a solo home run over the right field fence to increase the Taylor lead to 3-0. Freshman Davis Carter doubled and came in to score a run not soon after to account for Taylor's final run.
The Trojans had nine hits to Grace's one in the shutout, and rode that momentum early in game two. Taylor plated two runs in both the first and second inning to jump out to a 4-0 advantage.
Grace scored a run after a Taylor miscue in the fourth inning to make it 4-1, but Taylor responded in the bottom half of the frame with two more runs, highlighted by Anna Gunderson's deep solo shot over the center field fence.
The Lancers were able to produce three runs in the fifth inning to make it 6-4, but Taylor starter Ashley Miller was able to avoid any further damage by recording two consecutive outs with runners on second and third base.
Senior Hannah Klebesadel entered the game to pitch the final two innings and did the job to earn the save, conceding just one hit in seven batters faced while also recording a strikeout. Taylor's final run came in the sixth, as Robbins doubled to right-center field to bring Ehle home for the insurance score to push the lead to 7-4.
Miller improved to 3-2 in the circle with the win, while Grace reliever Alex Shipley was charged with the loss.
Lovelace went 2-4 in game two and scored twice for the Trojan cause. Gunderson went 1-3 with 2 runs batted in and a run scored. Ehle reached in every at-bat and finished 2-2 with two doubles, two walks and three runs scored. Robbins had a double of her own and went 2-3 with two RBI and a walk. Murray continued to swing the bat well on the day and went 1-3, contributing a double, a walk and a run scored.
Receiving votes Taylor (8-6, 2-0 CL) will next travel to Goshen on Friday for a 3:00 pm doubleheader. On Saturday, the Trojans will be right back at Gudakunst Field for a doubleheader with rival No. 23 Indiana Wesleyan. Game one against the Wildcats will begin at 4:00 pm Saturday.