FORT WORTH, TX - On Saturday, in a game one between Ave Maria (FL) and Texas Wesleyan, the Rams emerged victorious with a final score of 6-5.
Ave Maria got off to a strong start in the first inning, with Harrison Rossi delivering a crucial single to center field, bringing in two unearned runs. In the second inning, Francesco Barbieri extended their lead with a double down the left-field line, scoring another run.
However, Texas Wesleyan staged a comeback in the fourth inning, with Ryan Flores hitting a sacrifice fly, bringing in a run and setting the stage for a two-run fifth inning. Angel Polanco and Hayden Hutchens both contributed with key hits, propelling Texas Wesleyan to a 5-3 lead. Flores added another run with a single to right field.
Ave Maria fought back in the sixth inning, with Cole Rasbury's home run narrowing the gap to 6-4. Despite Michael Kelly's sacrifice, bringing in an unearned run, Texas Wesleyan held on to secure the 6-5 victory.
The pitching duel was intense, with Jose Casado, earning the win for Texas Wesleyan with a solid performance over five innings. Jorge Carvajal closed the game, securing his third save of the season.
In game two between Ave Maria (FL) and Texas Wesleyan, the Rams secured a narrow 6-5 victory at Sycamore Park.
The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams displaying their offensive prowess and resilience on the field.
Texas Wesleyan took an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a passed ball that allowed Rody Garcia to score and Brandon Rincones to advance to third. Flores grounded out, bringing in another run, giving Texas Wesleyan a 2-0 lead.
Ave Maria responded in the second inning, with Rossi's single to left field bringing in Rasbury, narrowing the gap to 2-1. However, Texas Wesleyan extended their lead in the bottom of the second with Jake Spencer's two-RBI single and a wild pitch that allowed another run, making it 5-1.
The fifth inning saw Ave Maria staging a comeback as Barbieri's double brought in two unearned runs, followed by Davis Blair's two-RBI single that tied the game at 5-5. In the bottom of the fifth, Texas Wesleyan regained the lead with Polanco's sacrifice fly, securing a 6-5 advantage.
Pitching played a crucial role in the game, with Dwain Guice earning the win for Texas Wesleyan, pitching 4.1 innings and striking out seven. Alfredo Martinez closed the game, recording a save and preserving the hard-fought victory.
The Rams will next be on action on the road Tuesday in Austin, TX as they are set to play a double header against Huston Tillotson University, with game one scheduled for a noon first pitch.
