By ZANE GONZALEZ
UPLAND, IN – The Titans (1-2) squared off with Taylor
University (5-5) for a doubleheader to complete the three-game series between
the two teams. Junior RHP Kyle Rago got
the start for the Titans for game 1 of the doubleheader.
The Titans struck first offensively scoring two runs in each
the first and second innings. Senior Chris Mangus had a home run in the first
inning for the Titans. The second inning was highlighted by a Tanner Wesp
double and a Spencer McCool RBI single.
The Trojans answered in the third inning with three runs of
their own behind doubles by Josh Lane and Nathan Targgart. However, the Titans
responded right back with three runs as well. The 5th inning seemed
to be the Titans kryptonite in game 1.
In the bottom of the 5th the Trojans strung
together single after single off Rago for three runs, before being taken out of
the game and being replaced by freshman LHP Andy Ross. Ross couldn’t seem to
stop the bleeding as he only recorded one out and allowed three runs before
being taken out of the game and being replaced by sophomore RHP Tyler Reece.
Where he allowed one run before getting the final two outs to end the Trojans
seven run inning.
The Titans couldn’t muster up any offense for the rest of
the game, only recording one hit in their last two at bats. The Titans dropped
game 1 by a score of 7-12. Titans were led offensively by Spencer McCool who
went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s and Chris Mangus who went 1 for 3 with 3 RBI’s.
There was plenty of offense to go around for game 2 of the
doubleheader. Junior RHP Ben Wicklund started for the Titans and went 6 innings
allowing 10 R, 5 ER, while also striking out 6.
The Trojans scored all 10 of their runs in the first 3 innings
but went silent for the rest of the game. McCool led the way once again going 3
for 5 with 3 RBI’s and a home run. There were also home runs by Sammy Nieves
and Josh Fry.
Every starter for the Titans scored a run for the team as
the Titans offense stayed hot scoring 15 runs in route to a 15-10 victory over
the Trojans giving the Titans their first victory for the 2017 season.
Senior RHP Trey Bickel was masterful out of the bullpen for
the Titans getting the rare 3 inning save allowing no runs on 1 hit and 5
strikeouts.
The Titans return to action next weekend against Asbury
University in Wilmore, KY.