OKLAHOMA CITY-- The Texas Wesleyan baseball team (34-17, 15-9 SAC) defeated Mid America Christian (30-19, 12-12) 12-10 in the opening round of the SAC Baseball Championship.

The Rams were able to outlast MACU in a back and forth slugfest. TXWES combined for three doubles, a triple and two home runs. It was led by Kevin Santiago, who was able to go deep right field in the first inning to give the Rams an early lead.

TXWES was able to take the lead for good after Joseph Barfield hit a home run of his own in the eighth, which resulted in a two-run lead that TXWES never relinquished. The two and three spots in the lineup combined for five hits and five runs batted in, with each player scoring three runs.

The Rams were also led at the plate by Greyson Barrett, who connected four times in five appearances. Including a double down the right-field line that drove in Tomas Sanchez.

Leading the Rams in pitching was Garrett Moltzan, who would go two and a third innings to secure the opening round win. He gave up one hit, striking out two along the way.

TXWES will next play the top seed OCU in the SAC tournament at Oklahoma City University tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Jack Wade Stadium, with Ram nation hoping the Rams can continue their streak of winning nine out of their last ten games to close the season through today's play.