The No. 10 Taylor University baseball team is having one of the best seasons in program history, currently sitting at 30-7 (21-3).
The Trojans didn’t lose a game from Friday, Feb.14 to Friday, March 21. During that stretch they scored 230 runs. The streak was snapped by Mount Vernon Nazarene in a close 5-3 loss. Looking at their team stats, it’s easy to see that Taylor’s hitting is what propels them in their lopsided victories.
“I think a big part of our hitting success comes from us getting comfortable while also staying aggressive,” junior outfielder Brayden Manning said. “We’re controlling the strike zone well.”
A big standout is junior first baseman Sam Gladd. The first thing that grabs your eye is how many home runs he has hit. Gladd’s 15 homers are good for first in the CL (Crossroads League) and tied for seventh nationally. He also carries a .313 batting average and 46 RBIs.
Another heavy hitter for the Trojans is senior outfielder Kaleb Kolpien who is second on the team in homers with 12. Kolpien recently became the all time hits leader for Taylor with 291 and counting. He is also third on the team with a .425 batting line.
Kolpien has improved in nearly every statistical category from last season. His home run production has increased from three to 12. His batting average went up 66 points from .359 and his on-base percentage went from .476 to .497.
Senior outfielder Luke Picchiotti has been making an impact by being the most patient hitter in the Trojans’ lineup. He leads the team in walks with 35 which ties him for sixth in NAIA.
“I know that I can be dangerous on the bases so if I can find any way on base like getting walked or a hit-by-pitch, I’ll do that any day,” Picchiotti said. “I know I have a bunch of guys who can drive me in.”
Picchiotti carries a .299 batting line with a .493 on-base percentage and five home runs. He also has 11 stolen bases.
Someone who consistently hits for damage is junior outfielder Brayden Manning. He currently leads the team in doubles with 11. Manning has also contributed to the scoring with 37 RBIs and 35 runs along with four home runs and a .338 batting average.
Senior infielder Mason David is also capable of hitting a lot of home runs. He currently has nine on the year but four of them came in a four game series against Grace. He also carries a .390 batting average and 38 RBIs.
David said the biggest thing that has led to the team’s success is how everyone has been focused on encouragement.
“One of our guys a couple weeks ago didn’t have the best of games but instead of hanging his head he’s the one out there building other guys up when they’re struggling,” David said.
Coming up for the Trojans is a road series with crosstown rival Indiana Wesleyan starting on Thursday April 17 at 3 pm with a double header. Taylor holds a comfortable lead over their Crossroads League rivals, and will look to extend it throughout April.
