WAXAHACHIE - Texas Wesleyan University (13-4, 0-1 SAC) had an early offensive surge that wasn't enough to hold off Nelson University (11-6, 1-0 SAC), as the Rams fell 7-6 on Saturday.

A ninth-inning RBI single from Ethan Lyons sealed the win for Nelson, overcoming a four-run deficit from the second inning.

The Rams started strong, plating five runs in the first two innings. Rody Garcia drove in Brendon Vela with an RBI single in the first, and Texas Wesleyan capitalized on Nelson's defensive miscues in the second. Gabriel Supelveda's RBI single and multiple errors pushed the lead to 5-0.

Nelson responded in the second inning, scoring an unearned run before adding another in the third to cut the deficit to 5-2. The Rams extended its lead to 6-2 in the fourth when Supelveda scored on an error.

However, Nelson's bats came alive late. Lyons delivered a two-run double in the sixth, and Alex Ortiz added an RBI single to pull Nelson within one. In the seventh, Zach Holder's RBI double-tied the game at 6-6.

With the game knotted in the ninth, the Lions took advantage of a scoring opportunity. Lyons, who went 4-for-5 with four RBIs, delivered the game-winning hit, driving in Nick Mosley for the decisive run.

TXWES starter Samuel Mendez worked 5.2 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits with four strikeouts. Ty Sansom (0-1) took the loss, surrendering two earned runs in three innings of relief.

Nelson's Luke Mogford (1-0) earned the win, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings in relief.

The Rams will play a doubleheader against Nelson tomorrow on the road, with games scheduled to start at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.