Opening Day proves a hit for the Eagles despite setbacks to Taylor
Wilmore, KY - Five years in the making, Asbury College took the diamond on Saturday against Taylor University in a home doubleheader to kick off the 2008 season. Over 200 fans gathered for the event, braving the cold but clear weather and sub-40 degree temperatures by the second game.
Excitement of facing live competition after months of practicing soon faded as Taylor jumped on the Eagles in the first inning with a three-run home run by Taylor Kinzer off Asbury starter Gardner Adams en route to a 14-1 win. Asbury's lone run came off a sacrifice fly by Gabe Bowling, scoring Slade Halvaksz.
The second game featured two errors by shortstop Terrence Shelburne leading to four Taylor runs, putting Asbury down 6-0 in the second inning after the damage was done. The Eagles would rally with three runs in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by a two-run single by Cody Christopher. Pitcher Jon Wes Adams provided solid relief for the Eagles, facing the last 16 Taylor batters, giving up only a solo homerun and one other hit, concluding the game at 7-3. The game was called before the seventh inning due to darkness.
Asbury is next scheduled to face Georgetown (Ky.) College on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. The team will also host Cedarville (Ohio) on Saturday in a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m.
