TAYLOR BASEBALL SWEEPS EARLY HOME OPENER

Taylor University's baseball team expected to travel to Asbury, Kentucky on Friday, but inclement weather forced plans to change. Instead Taylor hosted two teams and created a makeshift weekend series with Indiana Wesleyan and Sienna Heights University.

The change of plans did not faze the Trojans as they faced off against cross-county foe Indiana Wesleyan, in their first home game of the season. Taylor called upon sophomore Zach Vander Laan to pitch against the Wildcats.

Vander Laan pitched a solid 5 2/3 innings, allowing 1 run and striking out 2 while limiting IWU's offensive chances. Backing up Vander Laan was closer Michael Kraynak who added his fourth save of the year, striking out 2 in the seventh.

The pitching and defense was solid on both sides, but it was key Taylor bats that led to a TU victory. Taylor Kinzer was 2-for-3 on the day, hitting a big two-run homerun to give the Trojans the lead. While Cassidy Emery added a 3-for-3 day, including a double, to lead the offense.

Taylor's defense was solid again, fielding the game perfectly in making no errors and allowing the 3-1 score to hold.

The Trojans then set their sights on Sienna Heights in their second game of the day. Sophomore Chris Howell was called upon to pitch against the Saints. Howell pitched 6 solid innings as he struck out 5 while allowing 2 runs.

After Sienna Heights scored in the third, Taylor responded in the bottom half of the inning with 2 runs. Quality base running and an opportunistic offense were the calling card of the Trojans as 2 passed balls led to 2 Taylor runs.

The Saints tied the ball game in the fourth, and went on to take the lead in the top of the seventh. The 2-3 deficit put the Trojans in a pressure situation in the bottom of the seventh. Taylor responded cool under pressure, forcing three walks, including the tying run.

With the bases loaded, junior Nate Hillery stepped up with the chance to win the game. His speed delivered as he beat out the throw on an infield hit, allowing the winning run to score. Taylor won by the final of 4-3 after scoring 2 in their last at bat, pushing their record to 9-4.

Michael Kraynak (1-0) pitched 2/3 of an inning to pick up the win, as the defense was solid with no errors for a second straight game.

Taylor, winners of 8 of their last 9 games next faces off against Manchester College on Tuesday at 3 p.m.