MESQUITE, Texas — Texas Wesleyan University (1-1) had a mixed day at the SCS Invitational, starting with a tough 8-6 loss to Tabor College (4-2) in their opening game, followed by a decisive 10-2 victory over Bethany College (1-3).
In the first game against Tabor, Texas Wesleyan took an early lead, scoring five runs in the first two innings.
Haylie Delarosa ignited the scoring in the first inning with a single, followed by stolen bases and a run on
Rachet Houston's groundout. Peyton Blanco contributed with a single, and
Kylie Barnes added to the pressure with a walk. An error allowed Barnes to score, ending the inning at 2-2. In the second inning, Delarosa singled again, and Houston followed with a single. Blanco then delivered a crucial double, bringing in two runs, with Barnes hitting another double to drive in Blanco, putting Texas Wesleyan ahead 5-2.
Despite a scoreless third inning for both teams, Texas Wesleyan maintained their lead until the sixth.
Kadynce Crenshaw reached on an error, advanced to third, and scored on Houston's sacrifice fly to extend their lead to 6-5. However, Tabor responded with a three-run sixth inning, highlighted by a two-run homer, taking the lead for good. Texas Wesleyan struggled to regain momentum in the seventh, concluding the game with Tabor winning 8-6.
Reagan Avants was handed the loss as she allowed three runs on three hits with only 1 1/3 innings pitched bringing her record to 0-1. Delarosa stood out with two runs and two stolen bases, while Houston added two hits and two RBIs. Blanco recorded three hits, including a double, and collected two RBIs. Barnes pitched 4 1/3 innings, striking out four batters and also contributed with two hits and one RBI at the plate.
In the second game, Texas Wesleyan (1-1) bounced back impressively, defeating Bethany College (1-3) 10-2. The Rams collected 15 hits, including a home run, and scored six runs in the second inning to take control. Bethany opened the scoring in the second with two runs, but Texas Wesleyan responded quickly.
Arieanna Hernandez started the rally with a single, leading to
Christina Jackson scoring. Blanco then hit a three-run homer, bringing in Houston and Delarosa, followed by Barnes and
KK Moore contributing with a double and a single, respectively, to leave Texas Wesleyan leading 6-2 after the second.
The Rams extended their lead in the fourth inning with Houston doubling and scoring on a Barnes single. The inning concluded with Texas Wesleyan ahead 8-2. They sealed the game in the sixth, with K. Rodriguez scoring off a single by Hernandez and then crossing home plate on a double from Jackson, finalizing the score at 10-2.
Hope Grant delivered an outstanding complete game performance, pitching six innings, allowing only three hits and two earned runs while striking out five batters earning her the win and a 1-0 start to the season. Blanco recorded two runs and three RBIs from his home run, while Houston contributed with two hits and two runs. Barnes had a strong showing with three hits and an RBI, and Hernandez shone with four hits, two runs, and an RBI, alongside making four assists in the field.
The Rams continue tomorrow at the SCS Invitational against Texas A&M-Texarkana and Cottey College to round out the opening weekend of the softball season.
