UPLAND, Ind. - Grace's baseball team was unable to knock off No. 9 Taylor on Friday afternoon.
The Trojans defeated Grace 12-2 and 18-3 in the Crossroads League opener.
Grace began the opener on top. Carter Stogsdill led off with a walk and promptly stole second base. A bunt moved Stogsdill to third, and Matt Friesema's sacrifice fly allowed Stogsdill to score the opening run.
Taylor responded with a flurry in the bottom of the first. The Trojans scored five runs with two outs in the inning, taking the lead for good.
The Lancers scored again in the fifth inning when Jose Ayala led off the frame with a solo home run. Gabriel Maldonado also doubled in the inning, but he was stranded with a fly out.
The Trojans continued to score, tacking on runs in the third, fifth, sixth and seventh innings to pull away. The game ended early 12-2 after seven innings.
Mayo Fernandez batted 2 for 3 to lead Grace's lineup.
In game two, Taylor's offense continued to thrive. The Trojans scored multiple runs in the first, second, fourth and fifth innings to build separation from the Lancers.
Grace did manage to plate twice in the third. The Lancers put two runners in scoring position with two outs in the inning. Matt Friesema then produced a timely single, bringing in two runs.
The Lancers added another run in the sixth. Ayala walked and eventually scored on a ground ball from Gabriel Maldonado. But it was not enough to keep pace with the Trojans as TU won 18-3.
Fernandez was a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate in the second game, adding a double in the second inning. Friesema had two hits and two RBIs, and Will Ambrose walked and scored.
Grace and Taylor will conclude their series in Winona Lake on Saturday. The doubleheader at Tom Roy - UPI Park will start at noon, marking the spring home opener for the Lancers.
