Pitchers Lead Trojans in Sweep of Bethel
March 31, 2009
The Taylor University baseball team opened Mid-Central College Conference play today with a sweep of Bethel College by scores of 8-2 and 11-10. Bethel (11-15) entered the day sitting atop the MCC with a perfect 6-0 conference record and a 10-game winning streak.
Taylor Kinzer (2-0) picked up the win in game one allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out five Pilots in six innings. Kinzer added a 2-for-4 outing at the plate and scored a run to help his cause.
The Trojans found separation in the second inning with three runs on four hits. Kinzer led off the inning with a double, followed by base hits from Cassidy Emery and Ryne Otis. Nate Hillery loaded the bases with a bunt single and one walk and one wild pitch later, the Trojans were up 3-0.
Taylor recorded two more big innings, scoring three in the fifth and two in the sixth to seal the deal. Otis led the way with a two-run home run in the fifth and a 3-for-4 outing.
The outlook appeared as gloomy as the overcast sky for the Trojans in game two. After taking an early 2-1 lead in the first inning, Bethel's offense found a groove and scored eight runs in the next three innings. The Pilots recorded seven hits and two home runs in the stretch.
Trailing 9-7 entering the sixth inning the Trojans were searching for answers on the mound. Junior Michael Kraynak moved to pitcher from shortstop to relieve a two-man staff that allowed nine runs on ten hits and only one strikeout. The Pilots crossed the plate one more time in the seventh, but Kraynak struck out two and didn't allow a hit.
Despite the Trojans' defensive effort they still trailed by three runs with their final plate appearance. Paul Passiales cut into the lead with a two-out, RBI single. Following a Pilot pitching change, Matt Maple ripped a shot to center field to load the bases for Kraynak. Taylor's RBI leader (32) connected on a base hit that cleared the base paths and gave the Trojans the win.
Batting .348 on the season, freshman Ryne Otis continued his offensive hot streak going 5-for-8 on the day, including a two-run home and four RBIs. Otis has posted multi-hit games in each of the last three games and eight times on the season. He is batting an astonishing .526 since the beginning of Spring Break.
Taylor (16-8, 2-0) plays host to Grace College on Thursday for a 1:00 pm doubleheader.