TROJANS IMPROVE TO 4-0 IN CONFERENCE PLAY

Box Score #1 | Box Score #2

The Taylor University baseball team picked up two conference wins over Grace College Thursday. The wins improve Taylor's record to 18-8 on the season and 4-0 in the Mid-Central College Conference where they stand in first place.

The Trojan offense flexed its muscles in game one scoring 13 runs on 12 hits and recorded 11 RBIs. Catcher Paul Passiales led the way with a 2-for-3 outing, scoring two runs and tallying two RBIs. Matt Maple and Michael Kraynak joined Passiales in the multi-hit club each connecting on two hits in three at-bats and crossing the plate once.

On their way to a 13-2 run-rule win in five innings, the Trojans batted around in the third inning and scored seven runs on four hits and two Lancer errors. Kraynak led the charge with a lead-off double and an unearned run off a Cassidy Emery sacrifice bunt. He later added a base hit to left field.

Taylor's strikeout leader, Chris Howell (32), recorded his second win of the season allowing just two runs in four innings and adding two strikeouts to his season total.

The Lancers gave Taylor an early scare in game two posting a 6-5 lead after three innings, but the Trojans responded with three unanswered runs for an 8-6 win. Kraynak, who has a team-leading 34 RBIs on the season, forced the tying run in the fourth inning with a single that knocked in Michael Nassar from second. Nassar led the Trojan offense in game two with two hits on three at-bats and two runs scored.

Reliever Caleb Stertzer won the game two decision after pitching 2 2/3 innings, allowing no hits and striking out two. Kraynak saved his sixth game of the season.

The Trojans and Lancers have a rematch on Saturday, April 4 at Grace College. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m.