JOPLIN, Mo. — Texas Wesleyan (40-8) secured a narrow 4–3 victory over Nelson University (34-17) in an extra-inning contest at Joe Becker Stadium. A key highlight was the three-run rally in the ninth inning that allowed Texas Wesleyan to even the score and eventually clinch the win in the eleventh inning.
Texas Wesleyan secured a 4–3 victory over Nelson in an 11-inning game at home. The game remained deadlocked until the sixth inning when the visiting team scored twice. Mitchell Baker scored on a wild pitch, and Diego Arcay added another unearned run on a sacrifice groundout. The visitors led 2–0 through six innings.
In the ninth inning, they extended their lead to 3–0 with a bases-loaded walk bringing home a run. However, the home team rallied in the bottom of the ninth.
Daniel Hernandez singled and scored on a double by
Jose Rangel, who advanced to third on a throwing error.
Brendon Vela then tied the game with a two-run homer. The score was 3–3 through nine innings.
After a scoreless tenth, Texas Wesleyan clinched the win in the eleventh.
Marcos Carrion doubled and advanced to third on an error, with Aidan Vega entering as a pinch runner. Rangel and Vela were intentionally walked, loading the bases.
Endi Jaquez delivered the decisive RBI single, allowing Vega to score and securing the 4–3 victory for the Rams.
Samuel Mendez delivered a strong performance on the mound, pitching 6 innings without allowing an earned run, striking out 9 batters, and conceding 5 hits and 4 walks over 112 pitches.
Luka Zakman contributed 2 innings in relief, surrendering 1 earned run on 1 hit, with 1 strikeout and 1 walk, while hitting one batter.
Michael Stewart pitched 1 inning, allowing no hits but issuing 1 walk.
Noah Huerta closed the game with 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3 and giving up just 1 hit, earning the win and improving his record to 3-2.
Brendon Vela highlighted the game with a home run and two RBIs, contributing significantly to the team's scoring.
Jose Rangel added two hits and an RBI, showcasing his batting capabilities. Mendez pitched 6 innings, striking out nine while allowing no earned runs, keeping the opposition at bay. Huerta secured the win with two innings of relief, recording three strikeouts.
The Rams return to action tomorrow as they wait for their opponent to be determined. The Rams will play their next game at 1pm on Saturday, May 2 at Joe Becker Stadium.
