FORT WORTH - Texas Wesleyan (33-7, 18-5 SAC) secured a narrow 2–1 victory over Central Christian College of Kansas(19-10, 13-10 SAC) in game one on Friday at Sycamore Park. The Rams' pitching staff allowed just three hits over nine innings, contributing significantly to the win.
Texas Wesleyan secured a 2–1 victory over Central Christian (KS) in a closely contested matchup. The game remained scoreless through the first four innings, with both teams struggling to capitalize on base runners.
In the fifth inning,
Idelfonso Garcia walked and advanced to third base before scoring on a sacrifice fly by
Eric DeAnda, giving the Rams a 1–0 lead. The score was tied 1–1 in the bottom of the sixth when Central Christian capitalized on a sacrifice fly to bring home Kurt Ippolito, who had reached third on a passed ball.
The ninth inning proved decisive when
Jorge Herrera drew a walk and was replaced by pinch runner
Endi Jaquez, who stole second and advanced to third on
Jack Erickson's single. Jaquez scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by
Giuseppe Buttaci. Central Christian was unable to respond, grounding into a game-ending double play.
Final score: Texas Wesleyan 2, Central Christian (KS) 1.
Michael Pelosi delivered a strong performance on the mound, pitching a complete game with 9 innings of work. He allowed only three hits and one unearned run while striking out five batters. Pelosi's control was evident, issuing just three walks over 114 pitches, with 76 strikes. His efforts secured his first win of the season, showcasing efficient and effective pitching.
Brendon Vela reached base three times, collecting one hit and drawing two walks.
Jose Rangel contributed with a double, marking the team's offensive efforts.
Jonathan Pena added another double to the scoreboard with his one hit of the game.
The Rams secured a decisive 11-3 victory over the Tigers in game two. The Rams produced 12 hits, including two home runs, to dominate the matchup.
The scoring began in the first inning when
Jose Rangel scored on a sacrifice fly by
Jorge Herrera, giving the Rams an early 1-0 lead. Central Christian responded in the second inning with two runs to take a 2-1 lead.
In the fourth inning, the Rams regained control. Herrera doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by
Giuseppe Buttaci.
Jonathan Pena and
Daniel Hernandez also crossed the plate, putting the Rams ahead 4-2.
The fifth inning saw the Rams extend their lead with a two-run homer by Pena, followed by a solo home run from Buttaci.
Idelfonso Garcia added another run, pushing the score to 8-3.
The Rams added another run in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly by Pena, bringing the score to 9-3. In the seventh inning, two more runs were scored, including one from a bases-loaded walk, to secure the final score of 11-3.
Texas Wesleyan 11, Central Christian (KS) 3.
Samuel Mendez pitched 5 innings, allowing 3 earned runs on 7 hits while striking out 5 batters with no walks. He threw 73 pitches, with 50 of them being strikes, and earned his first win of the season.
Luka Zakman provided 2 innings of relief, recording 1 strikeout and throwing 14 strikes out of 19 pitches.
Pena showcased his skills by scoring two runs, adding three RBIs, and hitting a home run, while also stealing three bases.
Endi Jaquez contributed with three hits, including a double and a triple, driving in one run. Buttaci made an impact with his two RBIs and a home run. On the mound, Mendez pitched 5 innings, recording five strikeouts to secure the win.
The Rams will conclude their series with the Tigers on Saturday at Sycamore Park with first pitch slated for noon.