Box Score
FROSTPROOF, Fla. – Jeff Jacobsen through a one hitter through six innings as the Royals defeated Indiana Wesleyan University 4-1 on Friday night. With the win the Royals (10-12) improve to 3-1 in the Warner Invitational. The loss drops the Wildcats to 4-7 and 2-2 in the tournament. The Royals will now get a rematch against Thomas University (Ga.) in the championship game tomorrow, Saturday, at 3:30.
The Royals got on the board early when Cory Johnson drove home Dan Smith with a two out single in the top of the first inning. The Wildcats would tie the game in the second inning. Casey Torrance led off the third inning with a single and was brought home later by Dan Smith who singled with two outs.
Jacobsen would surrender his only hit in the third and keep the Wildcats off balance through the sixth inning. The Royals added two more runs in the sixth inning taking a 4-1 lead. Justin Zanella drove in Andy Paul with a single to right field and Casey Torrance came home thanks to a Wildcat wild pitch.
The Royals faced a feisty Wildcat lineup in the seventh. Jacobsen was lifted from the game after back to back walks. A.J. Holbeck made the appearance in relief and after loading the bases on a walk recorded the first out with a strikeout. Holbeck then got leadoff man TJ Fletcher to ground into a double play ending the game and securing the Royals’ victory.
Jeff Jacobsen (1-1) was stellar, going six innings with only the one hit and one run allowed. A.J. Holbeck earned the save in relief.
Cory Johnson, Dan Smith and Casey Torrance all had 1 for 2 performances. Torrance scored two runs while Smith swiped two bases. Justin Zanella had the Royals only other hit and went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
The Royals will look to avenge their day one loss to the Night Hawks tomorrow, Saturday, in the Championship game of the Warner Invitational. The Championship game is scheduled for a 3:30 pm.