In both games on Friday, the Cougars came close to defeating nationally ranked Taylor, but the hosts secured consecutive walk-off wins to take both games. In the first game, the Cougars surged ahead with a 10-3 lead by the seventh inning, but the Trojans came back with eight unanswered runs, including a walk-off single up the middle to win 11-10. In the second game, Spring Arbor took an early lead, but the Trojans responded with late-game heroics, including a walk-off single, to win 6-5. The Cougars scored five runs on seven hits in game two, despite the loss.
In game one, senior Sean Cassel pitched for 4.1 innings and struck out seven batters, helping the Cougars to a 7-0 advantage. Junior Landon Raczkowski hit a three-run home run to increase the lead to 4-0, while freshman Aiden Brunin had two hits and two RBIs, and senior Bryce Ritchey had four hits and three RBIs. Taylor’s comeback was aided by consecutive three-run home runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
In game two, Evan Lorey hit a home run in the first inning, his second of the year, and ended with three RBIs. Junior Jake Spedoske went 2-for-3 with a run, senior Bryce Ritchey went 2-for-4, and Ben Redfield went 2-for-3. Spring Arbor will face Taylor again on Saturday in Upland, IN. The Cougars’ record is now 5-6 (0-6 CL), while Taylor’s is 13-7 (6-0 CL).
This story is comprised of a press release and media dispersed by the sports information department of the institution. For more sports, news and entertainment, follow us on Twitter @MWSNsports or like our page on Facebook.
