FORT WORTH, TX – Texas Wesleyan University (10-3) dropped both games of its series against Park University-Gilbert (7-5) at Sycamore Park, falling 11-7 in the opener Friday afternoon before suffering a 24-6 defeat in the second game..
In Game 1, the Rams battled back from an early deficit but could not contain the Buccaneers' late-inning offense. Park-Gilbert jumped ahead with three runs in the first, capitalizing on RBI hits from Caleb Rozier, Diego Bejarano, and Eric Baratta. Texas Wesleyan responded with runs from Tahir Meulens and Rody Garcia to trim the gap to 3-2.
After three scoreless innings, Park-Gilbert extended its lead to 6-2 in the fifth, but the Rams answered with a five-run rally. Garcia's two-run triple ignited the comeback, quickly followed by RBIs from Logan Silvertooth and Ryan Flores, giving Texas Wesleyan a 7-6 advantage.
The lead was short-lived, as the Buccaneers responded with a four-run sixth. Rozier and Bejarano drove in key runs before Joel Holguin's two-run triple sealed the Rams' fate.
Texas Wesleyan finished with 12 hits, led by Garcia (2-for-4, 3B, 2 RBI). Jorge Carvajal (0-1) took the loss in relief, and Sunny Patel (3-0) earned the win, and Spencer Jacobs (1) secured the save.
Game 2 proved even more challenging for the Rams, as Park-Gilbert's offense erupted for 24 runs on 24 hits. The Buccaneers set the tone with a six-run first inning and crossed home plate in every frame except the fourth.
Andrew Allanson powered the attack with two home runs and six RBIs, while Bejarano added a homer and four RBIs. The Rams' pitching staff struggled, issuing 10 walks and allowing multiple runs in seven innings.
Offensively, Garcia provided a bright spot with a three-run home run in the seventh. Brendon Vela and Brandon Rincones each collected two hits, but Texas Wesleyan left eight runners on base.
Starter Travis Belz (0-1) lasted just a third of an inning, allowing six earned runs. Noah Huerta (2.2 IP, 4 ER) took the loss. Aiden Guthrey (4 IP, 2 ER) picked up the win for Park-Gilbert.
The Rams look to rebound with another doubleheader against the Buccaneers at Sycamore Park on Saturday, with games at noon and 3 p.m.
