FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Wesleyan University (20-17, 14-10) secured a decisive 9–0 victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State University (5-33, 3-21) at Sycamore Park in the first game of a doubleheader. The host team recorded nine hits, including five doubles and a home run, to dominate the game. Followed up by a narrow 2-1 victory in extra innings to complete the Rams four-game sweep over the Aggies.
In the first inning,
Haylie Delarosa doubled, followed by a walk to
Kylie Barnes.
Payton Blanco then hit a three-run homer to left-center, bringing in Delarosa and Barnes. By the end of the inning, the Rams led 3–0.
In the second inning,
Hope Grant doubled and was eventually scored by
Arieanna Hernandez on a fielder's choice. Later, Barnes singled through the left side, driving in Hernandez and
Kadynce Crenshaw. Texas Wesleyan extended its lead to 6–0.
The fourth inning saw further action from the Rams. Delarosa tripled and was driven in by
Rachet Houston's double. A ground out by Barnes brought Houston home, and
Ashley Darilek later doubled to score Hernandez. This made the score 9–0.
Texas Wesleyan's pitching and defense kept Oklahoma Panhandle State scoreless throughout the game for the second time through three games.
Barnes delivered a commanding performance on the mound for the Rams, pitching a complete game shutout over 5 innings. She faced 19 batters and allowed only 2 hits while striking out 3, with no walks. Barnes's performance was efficient, throwing 61 pitches with 40 strikes, maintaining a WHIP of 0.40, and achieving her 13th win of the season. Her control was evident as she did not allow any earned runs, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Delarosa made a strong impact by scoring two runs and collecting a double and a triple in her performance. Barnes contributed offensively with three RBIs. Blanco added a home run and three RBIs, showcasing her power at the plate.
Rachet Houston contributed with a double, two hits, and an RBI, providing consistent offensive support.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Rams and Aggies were at a stalemate through the first three innings, with neither team finding a way to break through.
In the fourth inning, Texas Wesleyan opened the scoring when
Hope Grant doubled to right center.
Kadynce Crenshaw advanced Grant to third with a sacrifice, and
EB Zimmerman drove her home with a single up the middle. This gave Texas Wesleyan a 1-0 lead through four innings.
Oklahoma Panhandle State tied the game in the seventh inning. Gracie Lankford hit a solo home run to left center, evening the score at 1-1 by the end of the seventh.
In the eighth inning, the Rams regained the lead. With Blanco starting on second due to the extra-inning rule, Crenshaw doubled to left center, bringing Blanco home for the go-ahead run. Texas Wesleyan held on to win the game 2-1 in eight innings.
Reagan Avants delivered a commanding performance, pitching a complete game and leading Texas Wesleyan to victory. She allowed just one earned run over 8 innings, striking out six batters while surrendering five hits and three walks. She maintained a WHIP of 1.00 and effectively managed Oklahoma Panhandle State's lineup, allowing only one home run and recording a crucial pickoff. Her 119-pitch effort included 61 strikes, showcasing her endurance and effectiveness throughout the contest.
Delarosa recorded two hits in four at-bats from the leadoff position, effectively contributing to the team's offense. Crenshaw added an RBI double, showcasing her ability to drive in runs. Zimmerman contributed with two hits and one RBI, providing key offensive support.
The Rams travel to Plainview, TX next weekend as they take on in-state foe Wayland Baptist on April 10th and 11th.