OKLAHOMA CITY — Texas Wesleyan University (28-5, 14-4 SAC) fell in a tightly contested game against Oklahoma City University (13-19, 9-8 SAC) with a final score of 12–11 on Saturday at Jim Wade Stadium.
Endi Jaquez contributed significantly with a home run and three RBIs, but Oklahoma City's early four-run first inning set the tone for its victory.
Texas Wesleyan faced Oklahoma City in a tightly contested game that ended with a 12–11 loss. Oklahoma City jumped to an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a series of miscues to score four runs. The Rams responded in the second inning with
Jose Rangel's three-run homer, narrowing the gap to 6–3 after the Stars added two more in their half.
In the third inning, Texas Wesleyan tied the game at 6–6.
Giuseppe Buttaci's RBI fielder's choice brought in one run, followed by
Idelfonso Garcia and
Marcos Carrion driving in two more with a single and a triple, respectively.
The fourth inning saw both teams add to their totals, keeping the game tied at 7–7.
Brendon Vela scored for the Rams on Buttaci's RBI single, while Oklahoma City answered with a solo home run.
By the fifth inning, the Stars reclaimed the lead, scoring twice to make it 9–7. Texas Wesleyan was held scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings, while Oklahoma City added one more run in the seventh to extend its lead to 10–7.
The Rams mounted a significant comeback in the eighth inning, scoring four runs to briefly take the lead. Buttaci's double and Carrion's two-RBI single were key hits, pushing Texas Wesleyan ahead 11–10. However, the Stars responded with two runs in their half, regaining the lead at 12–11.
Despite a valiant effort, Texas Wesleyan was unable to score in the ninth inning, resulting in a close defeat. The final score was Oklahoma City 12, Texas Wesleyan 11.
The Rams will return to play at Sycamore Park on Friday in a series against College of the Ozarks with first pitch slated for noon.
Michael Stewart pitched 1 inning, allowing 4 runs on 3 hits, including a double, with no strikeouts, and issued 2 wild pitches. Rey Rivera, Jr. followed with 2 2/3 innings, yielding 2 earned runs on 4 hits, including a home run, while striking out 1 and walking 2.
Ty Sansom faced 4 batters in 2/3 inning, conceding 2 earned runs on 1 hit and a walk.
Jose Casado pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing 2 hits and issuing 3 walks, but struck out 3 batters without allowing an earned run.
Luka Zakman threw 1 1/3 innings, giving up 1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 walk, while striking out 3.
Noah Huerta closed with 1 inning, surrendering 2 runs on 3 hits, including 2 doubles, with 2 strikeouts.
Rangel delivered a powerful performance with a home run and four RBIs, adding two hits in the game. Buttaci contributed significantly, scoring three runs and collecting three RBIs, along with a double. Carrion was productive with two hits, including a triple, and drove in four runs. Garcia was effective on the bases, crossing home plate three times, aided by his one hit and drawing three walks.
