FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University (36-7, 21-5) secured a 7-4 victory over Wayland Baptist University (29-18, 13-13) on Thursday at Sycamore Park in game one. The Rams scored early with three runs in the first inning and maintained the lead despite the Pioneers' three-run third inning.
Texas Wesleyan opened the game strong in the first inning.
Jose Rangel walked, and
Brendon Vela followed with another walk. Setting the stage for
Jack Erickson, who reached first on an error, advancing Rangel and Vela.
Endi Jaquez capitalized on another error, bringing home Rangel.
Jorge Herrera added to the score with a sacrifice fly, allowing Vela to score.
Giuseppe Buttaci's single brought Erickson home, giving the Rams a 3-1 lead after the first inning.
In the second inning, Texas Wesleyan continued to build momentum.
Marcos Carrion singled and was replaced by pinch runner Aidan Vega, who advanced on a sacrifice and then to third on a fly out. Erickson's single, followed by a series of errors, allowed Vega to score. Erickson then scored on the same play, increasing the lead to 5-1 through two innings.
The third inning saw Wayland Baptist respond with three runs, including a two-run homer by Christian Toledo. However, the Rams maintained their lead as Herrera singled and advanced on a sacrifice. Buttaci's single moved Herrera to third, who then scored on
Idelfonso Garcia's groundout. Carrion's single brought Buttaci home, keeping Texas Wesleyan ahead 7-4 after three innings.
Texas Wesleyan's defense held firm through the subsequent innings, preventing any further scoring by the Pioneers. The game concluded with the Rams securing a 7-4 victory.
Michael Pelosi delivered a complete game performance, pitching 7 innings while allowing 4 earned runs on 9 hits. He struck out 7 batters and did not issue any walks, throwing a total of 93 pitches with 69 going for strikes. Pelosi's effort earned him the win, marking his record at 1-0 for the season.
Erickson contributed significantly by scoring two runs and driving in two RBIs. Jaquez showed his speed on the bases with two stolen bases. Pelosi delivered a complete game, striking out seven batters over seven innings to secure the win. Buttaci added to the team's offense with two hits, including one RBI and one stolen base.
The Rams secured a 5-2 victory over Wayland in game two. A three-run fifth inning proved pivotal for Texas Wesleyan, which tallied five hits and one home run in the game.
Texas Wesleyan opened the scoring in the first inning.
Jack Erickson doubled down the left field line and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Erickson then scored on another wild pitch, putting Texas Wesleyan ahead 1-0 after the first inning.
Wayland Baptist took the lead in the fourth inning. Kanade Honda doubled and scored on Arcadio Martinez's double to right center. A pinch runner for Martinez, Sebastian Bravo, scored on Rafaeleduardo Garcia's single to left field, giving Wayland Baptist a 2-1 lead through four innings.
Texas Wesleyan responded strongly in the fifth inning.
Jonathan Pena hit a solo home run to right field.
Giuseppe Buttaci walked, advanced on an error, and Aidan Vega, who pinch ran for
Eric DeAnda, stole second.
Brendon Vela then singled to shortstop, driving in Buttaci and Vega, pushing Texas Wesleyan back on top 4-2.
In the sixth inning, Texas Wesleyan added another run. Buttaci walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a fielding error.
Idelfonso Garcia singled to left field, bringing Buttaci home for a 5-2 advantage.
Samuel Mendez pitched a complete game for Texas Wesleyan, allowing six hits and striking out five. Mendez delivered a complete game performance, pitching 7 innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 6 hits. He struck out 5 batters and issued just 1 walk, demonstrating control by throwing 62 of his 83 pitches for strikes. Mendez also contributed to the team's defensive efforts by catching one runner stealing. His efforts earned him the win, marking his record at 1-0 for the season.
Brendon Vela drove in two runs with one hit, making a significant contribution to the team's scoring.
Jack Erickson added two doubles and scored a run, showcasing his batting capabilities.
Jonathan Pena hit a home run, scoring once and collecting an RBI.
The Rams conclude regular season play against Wayland at Sycamore Park for Senior Day and a 1 p.m first pitch.
