Lehmann’s Big Day Powers Taylor to Doubleheader Split

Broadcast Highlights | Lehmann Walk-Off Home Run

UPLAND, Ind. – Livie Lehmann powered the Trojans to a doubleheader split against Indiana South Bend on Saturday afternoon, winning the opener 9-7 before falling 7-5 in the finale. 

Lehmann had four hits throughout the day, two of the two-bag variety, and a long ball to help her drive in four runs and score four in an all-around impressive display. 

Katie Kottlowski (2-0) was terrific in relief in both games, firing three innings without giving up an earned run to earn a win and drop her earned-run average under five. 

The Trojans won the opener in walk-off fashion, with Lehmann blasting a home run in the bottom of the eighth to break the tie and win the game 9-7. 

The offenses started the opener with a bang, as Indiana South Bend launched two home runs in the top of the first for an early 3-0 lead. 

Taylor responded with five runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. A Lehmann double was surrounded by a trio of walks, and after two runs had crossed the plate, Delaney Barton stepped up and ripped a three-run home run to center to give the Trojans a 5-3 lead. 

TU added a run in the third when Emri Agre scored on a sacrifice fly by Lehmann. 

The Titans slowly cut into the lead until tying the game in the top of the seventh to take the game to extra innings before taking their first lead in the top of the eighth. 

The Trojans rallied in the bottom half of the inning, scoring a run on a fielder's choice before Lehmann delivered the final blow with a walk-off two-run bomb to left to end the game and complete the comeback.

The Taylor offense continued to heat up as the first four batters reached in the bottom of the first of the second game, which resulted in two runs, before leaving two stranded to end the frame. 

IUSB (3-5) came back firing with five runs in the top of the second as Maddie Leisher roped the second of her three long balls on the day in the inning. 

The Trojan offense was active but continually failed to deliver a clutch hit, leaving 11 on base in the second game. Taylor did well being patient, drawing 13 walks in addition to a combined 21 hits in the twin-billing. 

Madisyn Standridge launched her first home run of the season in the sixth before driving in another in the bottom of the seventh. The tying run reached the plate with the Trojans trailing by two, but a flyout closed the book on the comeback attempt to secure the doubleheader split. 

Taylor (5-5) returns to the diamond on Monday, March 4, to face RV IU Southeast (4-7) on the road, with the first pitch of the opener scheduled for 1:00 pm.