Box Score Box Score

STEPHENVILLE, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University baseball team (12-6) suffered a narrow 9-7 loss at Tarleton State University (5-5) on Tuesday.
 
The Rams turned two walks and an RBI double from Justin Barnes into two runs in the first inning, but the Texans got a two-run homer from Blake Siguero in the first and RBI doubles from Evan Robinson and Noah Ringenber in the second.
 
In the third inning,  two hit batters, a TWU error and three TSU singles let for more runs in as the Texans opened an 8-2 advantage.
 
The Rams answered right back in the top of the fourth.  Joseph Lassiter and Joel Horton drew leadoff walks, and with one out Hunter Robinson was hit by a pitch to load the bases.  After an RBI single from Jake Howeth , a TSU error, and a sac fly from Taylor Jockers, the Rams had a four-run rally of their own.
 
In the seventh inning, Alex Padilla reached on a fielder’s choice, advanced to third on a double from Barnes, and scored on a Lassiter ground ball to bring the Rams within a run at 8-7.
 
The Texans added an insurance run with a solo homer from Ringenber in the eighth.  In the ninth, the Rams put the tying run on after a double from Padilla and a walk to Barnes, but the rally fell short and Tarleton State came away with the 9-7 win.
 
Barnes went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, and an RBI in the loss.  Padilla added a pair of hits in four at bats on the day.
 
Blake Ballard (0-2) took the loss after surrendering six runs, five earned, on five hits in 2.1 innings.  Taylor Christian (1-0) was credited with the win after allowing two unearned runs in two innings as the Texans used nine pitchers in the contest.
 
The Rams will return to action with a three-game Red River Athletic Conference series with Southwestern Assemblies of God University.  Game one will be played in Waxahachie, TX, on Friday at 4:00 p.m.  Saturday’s doubleheader is scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. start at LaGrave Field.