FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Wesleyan University (8-7, 2-0 SAC) swept the doubleheader against Mid-America Christian University (2-9, 0-2 SAC) on Friday at Sycamore Park, winning the first game 2-0 and the second game decisively 7-1.
In Game One, Texas Wesleyan's
Kylie Barnes pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits while striking out five batters. The game was marked by effective pitching and key hits from the Rams.
In the third inning,
Rachet Houston singled to center field and later stole second.
Payton Blanco then doubled to center field, driving in Houston for the first run. Texas Wesleyan led 1-0 at the end of the third inning.
In the fourth inning,
Christina Jackson reached first on an error, and
Jacey Power singled, advancing Jackson. A subsequent fielder's choice allowed Jackson to reach third, and she scored on a single by
Kadynce Crenshaw. The score stood at 2-0 in favor of Texas Wesleyan after the fourth inning.
The defense, led by pitcher Barnes, maintained the lead, shutting out Mid-America Christian over seven innings helping them secure the victory
Barnes delivered a standout performance, pitching a complete game shutout over seven innings. Barnes allowed just three hits and issued two walks while striking out five batters. The pitcher faced 24 batters and threw 77 pitches, 49 of which were strikes, achieving a WHIP of 0.71. This game marked Barnes' fifth win of the season and her fourth in a row, maintaining an unblemished record for earned runs.
Blanco contributed offensively by hitting a double and driving in a run.
Arieanna Hernandez showcased power with a triple in her sole hit, adding depth to the lineup.Houston scored one run and also stole a base, highlighting her speed and effectiveness on the field.
In Game Two, Texas Wesleyan collected 13 hits and five stolen bases, limiting Mid-America Christian to four hits. The Rams showcased consistent scoring across multiple innings.
In the first inning, Texas Wesleyan took an early lead with Blanco's single to left center, driving in Houston and
Haylie Delarosa. The inning concluded with a 2-0 lead for the Rams.
The third inning saw the Rams capitalizing on an error, with
Ally Hinojosa doubling down the left field line to bring home Hernandez and Barnes, extending the lead to 4-0.
In the fourth inning, Delarosa's single and subsequent stolen base set the stage for Houston, whose single to center field drove Delarosa home. Later, Barnes' single allowed Houston to score, making it 6-0.
Mid-America Christian managed to score in the sixth inning, but the Rams responded with Blanco's center field single, scoring Delarosa, solidifying their dominance. The final score stood at 7-1 in favor of the Rams.
Arieanna Hernandez threw six innings and only allowed four hits and one run to secure the win and give her a record of 2-0 on the season.
Delarosa led the offense with four hits and three runs scored, also swiping two bases. Houston contributed with two hits and two stolen bases, while adding an RBI. Blanco recorded two hits and drove in three runs. Hernandez also collected four assists in the field.
The Rams will face off with the Evangels again tomorrow with games at 12pm and 2pm.
