Co-authored by Luke Parker, Manchester University sports information intern
KOKOMO, Ind. – Freshman outfielder Tyler LaFollette (Warsaw, Ind.) drilled a three-run double, spotlighting a six-run sixth inning rally, as Manchester University toppled John Carroll University 6-3 Sunday, March 13.
LaFollette's heroics were part of a six-hit frame for the Spartans (6-4). After Blue Streaks' starter Drew Vargo blanked the Black and Gold on three hits over the first five innings to give JCU a 1-0 lead, MU broke through in the sixth. Senior shortstop Sean Knepper (Bremen, Ind.), sophomore outfielder Eric Knepper (Bremen, Ind.) and junior first baseman Tailur Szarenski (Bluffton, Ind.) began the comeback with three consecutive singles. Junior left fielder Chad Schultz (Fair Oaks, Ind.) pushed across the tying run on a fielder's choice and then and Szarenski pulled off a nifty double-steal of home plate and second base for a 2-1 Spartans' edge. After sophomore designated hitter Tanner Hampton (Rochester, Ind.) added another run with an RBI single, LaFollette's opportunity was put into place by due to an error and a single that loaded the bases.
Manchester University's rally was more than enough to aid sophomore right-handed starter Stephen Pinarski (Goshen, Ind.) in picking up his first win. Pinarski fired six quality innings, allowing only one run while striking out six. Junior Mason Neuman (Fort Wayne, Ind.), weaving his way through a pair of single-run frames for the visitors in the eighth and ninth, picked up his first save of the year.
Lafollette's big extra base knock wasn't the only thing highlighting the offensive output. Hampton; Sean Knepper, increasing his personal hit streak to 16 games; and Szarenski registered two hits each, while Hampton and Schultz added aforementioned RBI.
The Spartans, riding a three-game win skein and five victories in their last seven contests, continues the 2016 campaign with their annual Florida spring break trip Sunday through Tuesday, March 20-22. MU faces North Central College of Illinois March 20 and 22 and The College of Wooster of Ohio March 21.