FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University (11-1) secured a 2-0 victory over Park University-Gilbert (AZ) (2-9) in game one on Friday at Sycamore Park.
The Rams' pitching staff delivered a one-hitter, with nine strikeouts over seven innings, while scoring both runs in the sixth inning.
Texas Wesleyan secured a 2-0 victory over Park-Gilbert in a tightly contested game. The first five innings were marked by strong pitching and defense from both teams, with neither side able to advance runners effectively. In the sixth inning, the Rams broke the deadlock.
Marcos Carrion was hit by a pitch, and
Idelfonso Garcia entered as a pinch runner, advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by
Giuseppe Buttaci.
Jose Rangel then delivered a key RBI single to center field, bringing Garcia home. Rangel stole second base and scored on a subsequent single to left field by
Daniel Hernandez, extending the lead to two runs. Texas Wesleyan's defense held firm in the seventh inning, recording three outs in quick succession to maintain the lead. The final score was Texas Wesleyan 2, Park-Gilbert 0.
Samuel Mendez delivered a dominant performance on the mound, pitching 6 innings with only 1 hit allowed and no earned runs. Mendez recorded 8 strikeouts and issued just 1 walk, achieving a WHIP of 0.33. T. Sansom came in for the final inning, securing the save by retiring all three batters faced, including one strikeout, on just 9 pitches. Both pitchers combined to allow only one hit and no runs over 7 innings.
Rangel contributed with one hit, one RBI, and a stolen base in the game.
Eric DeAnda provided solid defense with four assists at third base.
In game two the Rams secured an 8-7 victory over Park University Gilbert (AZ). The home team managed to hold off a late five-run rally by the visitors in the seventh inning to clinch the win.
Texas Wesleyan opened strong in the first inning, tallying three runs to establish an early lead.
Jack Erickson doubled and scored on a Brandon Vela double, who then scored after a single by
Jorge Herrera and a stolen base. Texas Wesleyan led 3-1 after the first inning.
In the third inning, Erickson extended the lead with a solo home run, marking his second consecutive inning with an RBI. This increased the Rams' advantage to 4-1 after three innings.
The fifth inning saw further offensive production from the Rams. After Herrera's single,
Aiden Vega, who came in as a pinch runner, scored on a triple by Buttaci. Later, a bases-loaded walk to Rangel brought in another run, giving Texas Wesleyan a 7-1 lead after the fifth.
The Rams added another run in the sixth inning when Buttaci singled home Vela, who had walked and stole second. This extended the lead to 8-2 after six innings.
In the seventh inning, Park University mounted a significant comeback attempt, scoring five runs. The rally included a three-run homer by Markham. However, the effort fell short as the Rams held on to secure an 8-7 victory.
Dylan Krause delivered a strong performance for Texas Wesleyan, pitching 4 innings and allowing just 1 hit while striking out 8 batters. Krause did not allow any earned runs, leaving the game with a commendable WHIP of 0.50 and securing the win. Rey Rivera Jr. came in relief, pitching 2 innings with 2 hits and 1 earned run, recording a WHIP of 1.00.
Alfredo Martinez faced challenges, conceding 5 earned runs on 2 hits and 2 walks over 2/3 of an inning, including a home run.
Luka Zakman closed the game effectively, striking out the only batter he faced to earn the save.
Erickson led the offense by scoring two runs and driving in two more with a home run and a double, finishing with an OPS of 2.500. Vela added two runs and an RBI, while also recording a double and a stolen base. Buttaci contributed with two hits, including a triple, and two RBIs, showcasing his ability at the plate. On the mound, Krause pitched four innings, allowing only one hit and striking out eight batters, securing the win with a WHIP of 0.50.
The Rams return to action at Sycamore Park on Sunday against Jarvis Christian University for a doubleheader, with the first game scheduled to start at noon.
