Box Score

TYLER, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University baseball team (19-10, 12-4 RRAC) opened a three-game Red River Athletic Conference series with an 8-5 win at Texas College (10-17, 4-9) on Friday.

 

Texas Wesleyan struck first when Christian Soberanes delivered a two-out two-run single in the top of the second inning. Texas College got one run back in the bottom of the frame when Jonathan Petros ripped a leadoff double and scored on a single from George Rose.

 

The Rams got an RBI double from Taylor Jockers in the fourth, but the Steers answered in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single from Cory Amerson.

 

Texas made it 5-2 with a two-out two-run double from Eric Epperson in the fifth, but the Rams were unable to hold the lead, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk in the bottom of the frame.

 

The Rams broke the tie in the seventh inning. Hunter Robinson led off and was hit by a pitch. A single from Joseph Lassiter and a bunt single from Justin Snider loaded the bases with no outs. Epperson drove in Robinson with a sac fly. However, the Rams missed an opportunity to break the game open when the Steers turned an unorthodox double play. With runners at first and second, the Rams missed on a hit-and-run. The Steers threw to third and it appeared the Rams would have two men at second. TC third baseman Matt McEuen tagged the runner going back to the bag just before he reached second and the umpire ruled he also tagged the runner going to second before he arrived at the bag.

 

Texas Wesleyan did get some insurance with a two-run single from Matt Taylor in the eighth inning.

 

Nolan Barbee (5-2) picked up the win with four innings of relief work. He allowed no runs on just two hits while striking out four.

 

Lassiter went 3-for-3 with a double and two runs scored in the win. Jockers, Snider, Epperson, and Soberanes all had multi-hit games as well.

 

The two teams will complete the series with a doubleheader on Saturday. Game one is scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. start.