Missed Chances Cost Yellow Jackets on the Diamond

DEFIANCE, Ohio – One game after breaking out for 11 runs on 15 hits, the Defiance College offense went 2-18 with runners in scoring position in a 3-2 loss to Taylor University in a non-conference affair at Craig A. Rutter Field.

When the dust had settled Defiance had stranded seven men in scoring position, including one in each of the last four innings. The Jackets were hitless in their final 12 trips to the plate with runners in scoring position and also lost a pair of runners on the bases in scoring position.

The most costly missed opportunity came in the second inning after Bobby Pardun had singled and a scored on a Brad Kremer double into the left field corner to cut the Taylor lead to 2-1. Alex Timofeev then singled to center field, but Kremer was thrown out at the plate by a perfect relay throw to keep the Jackets from drawing even at 2-2.

After standing runners in scoring position in the third and fourth innings, Defiance used an error and a balk from the Trojans to draw to within 3-2. Pardun and Kremer were in the middle of the rally once again, as Pardun reached on an error and motored to third base on a Kremer safety. Pardun then trotted home on the balk to get the Jackets back to within a single tally.

That would be all of the scoring in the game however, as DC put its leadoff man on and pushed him into scoring position in each of the final three frames, only to see Taylor escape each threat with the lead in place.

Pardun excelled in the designated hitter slot by collecting two hits, stealing two bases and scoring both Defiance runs. Kremer also had two hits with the run-producing double and Aaron Helland worked a pair of walks and stole two bags.

Jake Taylor (1-3) settled in after allowing two runs on three hits in the opening frame, holding TU to just three runs over six innings and striking out five. Ryan Valentine and Aaron Patterson then combined to keep the Trojans scoreless over the final three innings.

Defiance (4-13, 1-2 HCAC) will get back into conference action this weekend with a three-game set against Hanover (5-10, 1-2 HCAC). The Jackets will host the Panthers for two on Saturday, beginning at noon and for a single game on Sunday at noon.