LINCOLN — Texas Wesleyan University (42-12) fell to Madonna University (43-15) with a final score of 6–2 in an elimination match-up at Sherman Field.
Texas Wesleyan managed two hits, including a home run, but Madonna's fifth-inning surge with five runs secured its victory.
Texas Wesleyan opened the scoring in the third inning when Idelfonso Garcia, pinch running for Marcos Carrion, scored on a single through the right side by Jose Rangel. The score stood at 1–0 after three innings.
In the fourth, the Crusaders evened the score with a solo home run from Ty Stepek. The game was tied 1–1 after four innings.
Jorge Herrera gave the Rams a brief lead with a solo home run to left field in the top of the fifth. However, Madonna responded strongly in the bottom of the inning. A two-run double by Carson Noon and a three-run homer by Aamir Mitchell propelled Madonna to a 6–2 lead through five innings.
The remainder of the game saw no changes in the score as both teams were held scoreless from the sixth through the ninth inning. Texas Wesleyan fell to Madonna with a final score of 6–2.
Samuel Mendez started for Texas Wesleyan, pitching 5 2/3 innings and allowing six earned runs on four hits while striking out five batters. He faced challenges with control, issuing three walks and hitting one batter, culminating in his 89 pitches, of which 57 were strikes.
Noah Huerta contributed briefly with 1/3 inning, throwing four pitches with three strikes.
Ty Sansom followed, pitching one inning, allowing one hit and one walk, while striking out one batter.
Rey Rivera, Jr. closed out the game with one inning pitched, striking out one and walking one, delivering 12 pitches with eight strikes.
Jorge Herrera made a strong impact with a home run, contributing one run and one RBI. Jose Rangel added to the team's offensive efforts by collecting one hit and one RBI.
The loss concludes the Rams' season.
Head coach Bobby Garza expressed deep gratitude for the group, saying there "aren't enough words to describe how thankful we are of this team." He added that from day one the players "were committed to our One Team, One Goal environment" and "collectively stamped their mark as one of the best baseball teams in school history."
"Most importantly this group graduated a large amount of players
