FORT WORTH— Despite jumping out to an early lead, Texas Wesleyan University (25-18, 9-12 SAC) couldn't hold off a late surge by Southwestern Christian University 28-13, 13-9 SAC), falling 13-10 on a sunny Friday afternoon at Sycamore Park.

The Rams exploded for five runs in the bottom of the first inning, sparked by a two-run triple from Logan Silvertooth and an RBI single by Ryan Kramer. Texas Wesleyan added runs in the second, third, and sixth innings to stay ahead for most of the contest.

However, the Eagles (28-13) chipped away at the lead, posting two runs in the second and sixth innings before tying the game in the seventh on a sacrifice fly from J. Thornton and a two-run homer by G. Berroa.

Texas Wesleyan briefly reclaimed the lead, 10-7, in the bottom of the seventh thanks to Dylan Masanda's two-RBI single. But Southwestern Christian erupted for six runs in the top of the ninth to seal the victory, capped by a three-run homer off the bat of M. Gagnon and a two-RBI single from J. Cox.

A. Hurens (1-0) earned the win in relief for the Eagles, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings with six strikeouts. K. Duffey recorded the final out for his first save. Seth Wright (2-4) took the loss for the Rams after allowing four earned runs in two innings of work.

Offensively, the Rams tallied 16 hits, led by Kramer's 4-for-5 performance with an RBI and two runs scored. Masanda finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while Rody Garcia went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs.

Southwestern Christian countered with 18 hits, including a 3-for-6, three-RBI effort from Gagnon, and a 3-for-5 day from Thornton.

Texas Wesleyan will look to bounce back in their next matchup against Southwestern Christian, with the first pitch scheduled for Saturday at 12 p.m.