FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan (26-5, 12-4) secured a commanding 9-0 victory over Nelson (Texas) (21-11, 7-8) on Saturday at Sycamore Park. The Rams' offense was highlighted by a four-run fourth inning and a three-run fifth, while their defense held the opposition to five hits.
Texas Wesleyan opened the scoring in the first inning.
Jose Rangel singled to center, advanced to third on a walk and a fielder's choice, and then scored on an
Endi Jaquez groundout. The Rams led 1-0 after the first inning.
In the fourth inning, the Rams' offense ignited.
Jorge Herrera and
Giuseppe Buttaci each singled to start the inning.
Jonathan Pena walked to load the bases, setting up
Boston Farris, who delivered a two-run single to right field. Rangel added to the tally with a sacrifice fly, and
Daniel Hernandez doubled to bring home Farris. Texas Wesleyan extended their lead to 5-0 after four innings.
The Rams continued their offensive surge in the fifth. Herrera singled and Buttaci followed with another single. A walk loaded the bases, and an error allowed Herrera to score. Rangel then hit a two-RBI single to increase the lead. Texas Wesleyan was ahead 8-0 through five innings.
Texas Wesleyan added one more run in the eighth inning. Rangel singled and Hernandez reached on a fielder's choice.
Brendon Vela singled and advanced on an error, allowing Hernandez to score. The Rams finished the inning with a 9-0 lead.
Texas Wesleyan secured a 9-0 victory over Nelson.
Jose Casado pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. He faced 11 batters, demonstrating control with 17 of his 35 pitches being strikes.
Michael Stewart contributed significantly with 3 2/3 innings of relief, surrendering only one hit and no walks, achieving a WHIP of 0.31 and earning the win.
Ty Sansom continued the strong performance, pitching two innings and allowing just one hit while striking out one, keeping his WHIP at 0.50.
Luka Zakman closed the game with an inning pitched, giving up two hits and one walk but maintained a scoreless outing with one strikeout.
Rangel recorded three hits and drove in three runs, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Vela displayed speed on the bases with two stolen bases, adding pressure to the defense. Farris contributed with two stolen bases and delivered two RBIs, enhancing the scoring opportunities. Herrera scored two runs, showcasing his ability to reach base effectively.
The Rams will next paly a series on the road over the weekend against Oklahoma City University starting at 1 p.m. on Friday.
