Trojans Use Five-Run Second to Defeat Defiance

UPLAND, Ind. – Defiance College suffered a 7-2 non-conference loss at Taylor University on Wednesday afternoon, as the Trojans plated five runs in the bottom of the second inning and held on for the 7-2 victory over the Yellow Jackets.

DC struck first, as Kirk Jesse legged out an infield single and raced to second base on his eighth stolen base in as many attempts this season. Jesse would then sprint home on a Tim Pitro single and a Taylor error.

The 1-0 edge would hold through one frame, as Jason Farr tossed a perfect first inning before the Trojans dented the scoreboard for five tallies in the second. The rally started with a double and was followed by a costly Yellow Jacket error. Another double and a walk would ensue, and a pair of run-scoring singles later in the inning would cap the five-run outburst.

An outstanding performance from the Defiance bullpen would keep the Jackets within striking distance, as Brett Belew entered in the third inning and held Taylor to one earned run on four hits in five innings of work. The sophomore also retired three batters on strikes and did not issue a walk.

DC tried to capitalize on the strong showing from Belew with a ninth-inning charge, as Casey Kahsen doubled and scored on a Keith Wade single but the Jackets could not get anything else and fell by the 7-2 score.

Kahsen had a solid day at the plate with three hits, one double and one run scored, while Pitro and Alex Timofeev each had two hits.

Taylor improved to 12-3 on the year with the victory and benefited from a six-inning gem from Travis Carsten (4-0). The sophomore hurler scattered five hits and allowed just one run during his time on the hill.

Defiance (5-3) will now turn its attention towards a busy weekend schedule, with doubleheaders at Trine and Albion on Saturday and Sunday. The Jackets will begin at Trine on Saturday and then challenge Albion on Sunday. Both doubleheaders are slated to begin at 1:00 pm.