TU Softball Takes Two over Saint Francis
Game 1
Game 1
Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saint Francis (Ind.) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Taylor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 3 |
Game 2
Game 2
Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | R | H | E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saint Francis (Ind.) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Taylor | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 13 | 0 |
UPLAND, Ind. – Taylor softball claimed two wins over visiting Saint Francis Friday night to take the season series 4-0. Game one was a 4-1 result in favor of the Trojans and the nightcap lasted six innings with a final score of 8-0.
From the plate, leadoff hitter Alex Lovelace went a perfect 6-6 on the day with two doubles, three runs scored and two RBI to lead the way for the Trojans.
Taylor starting pitchers Hannah Klebesadel and Hannah Robbins held Saint Francis to just three combined hits in the doubleheader. The two pitchers have now allowed just three total runs in Taylor's last four contests, all wins in the sweeps of Huntington and Saint Francis.
The opener was scoreless through three, but Taylor capitalized with two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to grab a 4-0 lead.
The lead would be all that Klebesadel would need, as she improved to 9-1 on the season with the dominant performance. Saint Francis did not have a hit off Klebesadel until an Erica Smith single in the sixth. The Cougars' second and final hit of the contest came in the seventh on a solo home run from Kelsey Richard to get the Cougars on the scoreboard and foil the shutout.
It was Klebesadel's third consecutive complete game win in as many starts for the Trojans. Lovelace went 3-3 in the opener with a run scored, and Davis Carter was 2-2 with a run scored and an RBI. Ashley Miller and Robbins each had RBI, while Erin Tice went 1-3 with a single.
Both the Taylor offense and defense continued to click in game two. The Trojans took control early and established a 7-0 lead through three innings.
From the circle, the sophomore Robbins was dealing in her second consecutive complete game win. Saint Francis had just one hit all game, a single through the hole at shortstop in the second inning of the shutout. Robbins improved to 7-5 on the season with the efficient victory, walking just one batter and striking out four.
Taylor finished the contest with 13 hits with five players totaling two or more in the balanced outing. Lovelace went 3-3 with a walk, two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored while Anna Gunderson added an RBI triple from the top two spots in the Taylor batting order. Left fielder Morgan Allison contributed a solo home run in the third inning and a double in the sixth to finish 2-4. Carter was 2-3 from the dish with a walk and two runs scored. Robbins also swung the bat well and finished 2-4 with an RBI. Jessica Britt stroked a single and scored a run, and catcher Taylor Murray drove in the final run with a walk-off single to go 2-3 with a walk and the RBI.
Taylor (26-12, 20-6 CL) has been playing well of late to win 15 of its last 18 Crossroads League contests. The Trojans currently stand in second place in the league standings, just two games back from Marian. Taylor will be back in action Saturday at Gudakunst Field against Spring Arbor for a doubleheader set to begin at 1:00 pm.