FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University (38-8) fell to College of the Ozarks (25-25) with a final score of 5–3 in game one on Friday at Sycamore Park during the opening round of the 2026 Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament. Texas Wesleyan managed nine hits, including a home run, but was unable to overcome a four-run surge by College of the Ozarks in the eighth inning.

Texas Wesleyan took the lead in the second inning when Jonathan Pena homered to right field, putting the team up 1–0. The score increased to 2–0 in the third inning as Idelfonso Garcia scored on a sacrifice fly by Jose Rangel. Texas Wesleyan maintained the lead through the first six innings.

In the seventh inning, College of the Ozarks scored their first run with a sacrifice fly by Craig Busse, making it 2–1. The eighth inning saw a flurry of activity as College of the Ozarks added four more runs. Aaron Fisher scored on a single from Hunter Lewis, followed by two more runs driven in by Brody Tyler, giving the visitors a 5–2 lead. Texas Wesleyan responded with an RBI double by Jorge Herrera, cutting the deficit to 5–3.

The ninth inning was quiet for both teams, resulting in a final score of College of the Ozarks 5, Texas Wesleyan 3.

Michael Pelosi delivered a solid performance on the mound for the Rams, pitching 6 2/3 innings with only one earned run allowed and no walks, while striking out four batters on 101 pitches. Rey Rivera, Jr. came in as a reliever and faced challenges, giving up two earned runs on two hits in just 2/3 inning. Dylan Krause followed, pitching 1 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs and three hits, with one walk. Michael Stewart closed the pitching for Texas Wesleyan, throwing just one pitch to retire the final batter of the game.

Jonathan Pena contributed significantly with a solo home run, adding one RBI to his tally. Jorge Herrera recorded two hits, both doubles, and drove in one run. Idelfonso Garcia scored a run and added one hit, showing his mobility with a stolen base.

The Rams secured a commanding 15-6 victory over College of the Ozarks in game two. Texas Wesleyan capitalized on ten walks and seven stolen bases, building a steady lead with a six-run second inning and a four-run eighth inning.

Texas Wesleyan secured a decisive victory over College of the Ozarks, powered by a strong offensive performance. In the second inning, Jonathan Pena ignited the scoring with a walk, advancing to second on a passed ball and stealing third. Jack Erickson's single to the pitcher brought in Pena, and Jose Rangel's three-RBI triple extended the lead. By inning's end, the home team was ahead 6-0.

In the third inning, College of the Ozarks responded with two runs, one unearned, on a sacrifice fly and a passed ball. Texas Wesleyan countered with two more runs, capitalizing on an error by the right fielder and a sacrifice fly by Brendon Vela. This kept Texas Wesleyan in the lead at 8-2.

College of the Ozarks narrowed the gap in the fifth, scoring four runs on three hits, including a sacrifice fly and an RBI double. However, Texas Wesleyan maintained its lead at 8-6.

In the seventh inning, Gabriel Supelveda delivered a pivotal three-run homer, extending Texas Wesleyan's advantage to 11-6. The eighth inning saw further scoring from the home team, with Eric DeAnda and Erickson each contributing RBI hits, resulting in four more runs.

Texas Wesleyan closed out the game without allowing further scoring, securing a 15-6 victory over College of the Ozarks.

Samuel Mendez made a strong start for Texas Wesleyan, pitching 4 innings while allowing 4 hits and 2 runs, 1 of which was earned. He demonstrated control with 6 strikeouts and only 2 walks over his 79 pitches, earning his first win of the season. Noah Huerta took over in relief, pitching 5 innings and striking out 3 batters. Although Huerta gave up 7 hits and 3 earned runs, he maintained composure, throwing 56 of his 75 pitches for strikes.

Jose Rangel drove in four runs and added a triple in his performance. Gabriel Supelveda contributed with a home run and three RBIs. Jack Erickson led the scoring with three runs, while also collecting three hits, including a double, and stealing two bases. Samuel Mendez earned the win on the mound, pitching 4 innings with six strikeouts.

The Rams wil play the rubber match of the series against Ozarks on Saturday in Sycamore Park at 1 p.m.