Chargers Open "Trojan Horse" Series With a Pair of Wins

The "Battle for the Trojan Horse," a best of five game series between Georgia Highlands and Triton College, kicked off Tuesday with a pair of wins for the Chargers.  Like many college football games, such as the "Iron Bowl" or the "Red River Showdown", the winner of this series earns a Trojan Horse trophy.  The idea was proposed by Triton College Head Coach Harry Togerson, and it is the first series of its kind to be played by GHC. 

The Chargers took the first game of the Trojan Horse series 9-1 on the strength of a complete game 2 hit performance by Conner Perry and a 9 run assault by the Charger offense.  Connor Todaro and David Smith each homered in the game, and Todaro drove in 5 runs in the contest.  Brandon Prince also picked up a pair of hits, runs, and stolen bases in the ball game.  

While the first game of the day was fairly one sided, game two definitely lived up to title of the series.  The Trojans jumped out to an early 1-0 lead off GHC starter Caleb Garner, but the Chargers answered in the bottom of the second to even the score at 1-1.  Triton once again took the lead in the top of the third when they loaded the bases with 1 out.  Garner coaxed a potential double play ball out of the Trojans, but GHC misplayed the opportunity and Triton surged to a 4-1 lead.  Garner, who went 2.1 innings (4H 3R 2ER 2BB 3K), was relieved by Steven Thompson who shut down the Trojan rally and tossed a clean 4th inning.  The game really got interesting in the bottom of the 4th as GHC worked the bases loaded with 1 out in the bottom of the frame when Joe Sutton delivered a 2 RBI single through the middle to make it a 1 run game.  Cleanup hitter David Smith laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to tie the game 4-4.  A wild pitch advanced GHC runners to second and third and a clutch Trace Twardoski single scored both runners and pushed the Chargers in front 6-4.  Triton would not go quietly however, and the Trojans used a leadoff walk, a hit by pitch, and a pair of base hits to rally for 2 runs to tie the game again.  After leaving 2 runners in scoring position in the bottom of the sixth, Chargers reliever Matthew Silka kept the Trojans at bay and the game headed to the bottom of the 7th.  Max Kops worked a 1 out walk to reach base but was forced out at second on a ground ball to shirt by Brandon Prince.  Fortunately, the speedy Prince was able to beat the play to first base, avoiding the twin killing and keeping the Chargers alive.  Prince promptly stole second base and Connor Todaro continued his hot hitting by driving a base hit through the right side to score Prince and end the game.  Matthew Silka earned the win in relief going 3 strong innings and the Chargers improved to 15-3 on the season.

Games 3 and 4 of the Battle for the Trojan Horse will be played on Thursday at Lakepoint with the final game to be played on Friday.  First pitch is at 1PM.