JOPLIN, Mo. — Texas Wesleyan (41-8) secured a commanding 14-5 victory over Mid-America Christian (36-12) on Saturday at Joe Becker Stadium. A nine-run sixth inning propelled Texas Wesleyan to the neutral-site win, as it recorded 16 hits, including three home runs.
Texas Wesleyan secured a commanding victory over Mid-America Christian with a final score of 14-5.
Jack Erickson's two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning gave the Rams an early 2-1 lead. By the end of the second inning, the team had extended its lead to 4-2, capitalizing on an error and a sacrifice groundout that brought home
Gabriel Supelveda and
Jonathan Pena.
In the third inning,
Endi Jaquez added a solo home run, increasing the lead to 5-3. However, Mid-America Christian added a run in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 5-4. The game took a decisive turn in the sixth inning when the Rams exploded for nine runs. This inning featured a pivotal grand slam by
Jose Rangel, which significantly expanded the lead to 14-5.
Despite several opportunities, Mid-America Christian was unable to respond, as Texas Wesleyan's pitching and defense held firm through the final innings. The victory was secured with a final score of 14-5.
Michael Pelosi pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on ten hits and two walks, while striking out three batters. He threw 94 pitches, 59 of which were strikes, and conceded one home run. Rey Rivera, Jr. took over in relief, pitching 3 2/3 innings, giving up two hits and one walk, while striking out two batters on 40 pitches, 27 of which were strikes.
Jose Rangel had a productive game, recording four hits and driving in four runs, including a home run. Erickson contributed with two hits, two runs, two RBIs, and a home run. Jaquez added two RBIs and crossed the plate twice, also hitting a home run. Pena was effective at the plate, collecting three hits, scoring twice, and driving in two runs.
The Rams sit in the driver's seat as they await their opponent between Mid-America Christian and Nelson before playing the championship game tomorrow at 1pm.
