Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

     FORT WORTH, Texas – A sixth inning grand slam from first baseman Travis Clifford lifted the Texas Wesleyan Rams (8-6) over the Huston-Tillotson Rams in the first game of their doubleheader Saturday, 14-4. Tillotson rallied to win the second game 11-8.

     The series split marked the opening of Red River Conference play.

     Clifford, mired in a season long slump, hit a double in the second game to go along with the homerun. The junior righty also made several good defensive digs to take away base hits.

     Starter Jayson Rachuig pitches five strong innings, striking out one and inducing nine groundouts. Michael Talley pitched a one-two-three sixth inning to earn the save.

     Centerfielder Zach Archer reached base on seven of eight plate appearances. Archer was a baseball magnet, reaching base after getting hit by pitch three times during the doubleheader. Tillotson pitchers struggled with their control all afternoon hitting seven batters. Reliever Mario Moreno hit the first three Rams batters he faced on only five pitches.

     In the second game, starting pitcher David Hinson pitched well the first three innings before running into trouble in the fourth. Tillotson rung up seven runs on the staff ace.

     The home team Rams rallied prior to the fourth inning, and scored 4 runs in the bottom half of the inning to cut Tillotson’s lead to 7-6.

     Mark Smajstrla pitched two and a third quality innings of relief to go along with two doubles, three singles, and two walks in eight plate appearances.

     The ten run mercy rule win was the second for Wesleyan in as many home series. The team defeated Wayland Baptist February 22nd 10-0.

     Conference play continues March 15th as the Rams travel to Oklahoma City University for a doubleheader. Wesleyan hosts the Crusaders of Mary Hardin-Baylor University Monday March 7th. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m. All home games are played at LaGrave Field.