FORT WORTH, TX – Texas Wesleyan University (10-1) wrapped up the Texas Round-Up with a series split against the University of Houston-Victoria (10-2), bouncing back from a tough opening loss to secure a victory in game two at Sycamore Park.
The series opener saw the Rams struggle to contain the Jaguars' offensive outburst, falling 18-4. Houston-Victoria took an early lead with two runs in the first inning before erupting for a 12-run third inning that put the game out of reach. Despite the deficit, Texas Wesleyan found life in the bottom of the third when Rody Garcia crushed a two-run homer.
Brendon Vela followed with an RBI single, and Tahir Meulens added a sacrifice fly, but the Rams were held scoreless the rest of the way.
David Theriot (2-1) took the loss, surrendering six runs on eight hits over 2.2 innings. Houston-Victoria's B. Parker (2-0) earned the win, striking out eight in five innings. Seth Wright provided a bright spot for the Rams, tossing three innings of relief while allowing just one unearned run.
Texas Wesleyan responded in game two with a commanding 8-3 win, fueled by a six-run sixth inning. Houston-Victoria struck first with a run in the third, but the Rams quickly answered. Brandon Rincones delivered an RBI triple, followed by a Brendon Vela RBI single to take a 2-1 lead. The Jaguars tied the game in the fourth and reclaimed a 3-2 advantage in the sixth before Texas Wesleyan's offense erupted.
Rincones ignited the rally with his second triple of the game, driving in two runs. Jean-Luc Bussieres followed with an RBI double, and a defensive miscue allowed another run to score. Garcia capped the explosive inning with a two-run homer, sealing the victory.
Ty Sansom (1-0) earned the win in relief, while Jorge Carvajal notched his fourth save. Texas Wesleyan's offense collected 12 hits, led by Rincones' three-hit, three-RBI performance.
The Rams return to action on the diamond at Sycamore Park next weekend with a four-game series against Park University of Arizona, on February 14 at noon.
