The Maple Leafs went into Saturday’s double header against the Trojans seeking revenge having lost two games for a combined 19 point deficit on the campus of Taylor University just two days prior. The Leafs won game one 3-2 in nine innings but were shutout 0-12 in game two.
In game one, Goshen College was up to the challenge, pulling out a 3-2 victory after nine innings. The Maple Leafs jumped out into game one, scoring two quick runs in the first inning.
“We made the plays when we had to,” said starting pitcher Jason Crocker, a first-year. “Our defense was strong, and we got help from the bench.”
Crocker held the Trojans to two runs on three hits in four innings. Aaron Coy, a junior, relieved Crocker in the fifth inning, pitching a solid four innings, never giving up a single hit and striking out six of the twelve batters he faced.
Aaron Keister, a junior, finished the game, pitching the ninth inning to get the win.
The Leafs walked away with the win in the bottom of the ninth inning after Sean Sears, a junior, scored from second base on a single from Zac Miller, a junior. With the Trojans threatening a potential play at home, Sears kicked the ball out of the glove of Paul Passiales, the Trojans catcher, to secure the win for the Maple Leafs.
In game two, the Leafs looked to use their momentum from game one in an effort to sweep the series at home. However, Goshen struggled on both offense and defense game two.
The Maple Leafs only had two hits all game, while on defense the Leafs could not seem to keep Taylor from scoring. Goshen’s starting pitcher for game two, Brad Elam, a senior, allowed ten runs in four innings, nine of which were earned.
The Leaf’s fell to the Trojans 12-0, splitting the two game series.
With the Trojans behind them, the Maple Leafs now hold a Mid-Central College Conference record of 1-15 with an 8-36 record overall.
