ELGIN, Ill. – Trinity International struck first in both games of a doubleheader on Saturday, but dropped both contest to the Judson Eagles, falling in extra innings during game one, 7-4, then in game two by a 2-1 margin.
Box Scores: Game 1 | Game 2 | Season StatsJeff Lindburg led Trinity (13-11, 3-4 CCAC) at the plate, going a combined 4-for-7 with two base hits in each contest. The junior shortstop also extended his streak to 19 straight games in which he has safely reached base.
Jon Debowey drove in three RBI on the day, while belting his third home run of the year in the second game.
In game one, Debowey put the Trojans ahead in the top of the first, after Lindberg and
Adam Gomski both singled with one out; Debowey then drove home Lindberg on a groundout to give TIU the 1-0 lead. Judson (17-14, 5-1 CCAC) responded with one run on four hits in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game.
A fielding error with two runners on base allowed the Trojans to strike again in the top of the third, with a pair of unearned runs scored again by Gomski and Lindberg. The Eagles again tied the score later in the game at 3-3, with three straight singles to lead off the bottom of the 5th. Judson then took their first lead of the day in the 6th, with a two-out solo home run to move ahead 4-3.
With TIU's last chance at the plate,
Justin VanderNaald singled, then advanced to second on an error. After a sacrifice bunt moved VanderNaald to third, Jon Grotelueschen drove in the tying run with another fielding error. In the 9th however, the Eagles secured the walk-off win, with a three-run home run to take a 7-4 victory.
The second game of the day was more of a pitcher's duel, with only three runs allowed between both sides. Debowey again gave the Trojans the lead with the first run, homering to lead off the 4th and put TIU in front 1-0. The Eagles claimed the lead again in the bottom of the 5th, starting with a pair of singles to begin the inning. A sac bunt moved both runners into scoring position, and both game home in the next at-bat with another single, edging Judson in front 2-1.
Trinity and Judson will wrap up the current three-game series on Monday, when both sides will rematch at the TIU Baseball Field in Deerfield. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.
