Tabor picked up its first KCAC win of the season against Sterling Friday in Hillsboro. The Bluejays improved to 3-1 in conference play with a sweep of the Warriors in Sterling on Monday.
The Bluejays started the week at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where they split with the Rangers. Tabor lost the first game, 6-3, and won the second game, 7-5, in eight innings.
In the first game, NOSU scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to lead 6-2 going into the final inning. Tabor managed one run in the top of the seventh but ran out of outs.
The Rangers? James McMurphy got the pitching victory, throwing for six innings and striking out five.
In the second game, Tabor trailed 5-1 heading into the fifth inning, but rallied in the late innings, scoring two runs in the fifth and a run each in the sixth and seventh to force extra innings. Two more runs in the eighth led to the 7-5 final.
Tyson Kendrick went 2-for-3 with four runs batted in. Nathan Rausch finished 2-for-4 with two RBI.
Paul Bridenpaugh picked up the victory, holding the Rangers scoreless in the final 11?3 innings. Tabor used six pitchers in the victory.
The Bluejays returned to Hillsboro Friday for a matchup against Sterling in the Bluejays? KCAC opener. Tabor split the doubleheader, winning the first game, 5-4, then losing, 13-3.
The first game remained scoreless until Tabor scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth. Sterling scored its first run in the top of the sixth and three in the top of the seventh to take a 4-1 lead into the final at-bat.
The Bluejays scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to win the contest.
Zach Cremers pitched 52?3 innings, striking out four and allowing one earned run. Bridenpaugh picked up the victory.
In the second game, Sterling scored seven runs in the top of the second and five in the top of the ninth. Chad Johnson was 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Chris Trujillo got the pitching victory.
Tabor played Sterling at Sterling Monday. The Bluejays won the first game 7-4 and the second game 10-7.
Tuesday, the Bluejays hosted Manhattan Christian College then travel to Hays for a rescheduled game with Fort Hays State.
Tabor then plays back-to-back double headers against Bethany. Tabor travels to Lindsborg Friday, then hosts the Swedes Saturday.
Tabor is 13-8 overall.
