Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

     FORT WORTH, Texas – Texas Wesleyan cruised to a 12-1 five inning win over Mary Hardin-Baylor in game one of the team’s doubleheader. Late heroics from first baseman Travis Clifford sealed the sweep as the Rams took the second game 4-3.

     The sweep came as the team learned that left fielder Zach Archer would likely miss the rest of the season following an injury to his shoulder during Saturday’s second game. Archer was leading the team in batting average, hits, and was tied for the lead in home runs.

     Jason Hopson started both games, striking out six while allowing only one earned run over six strong innings. No Crusader reached beyond first base during Hopson’s four innings of work in the first game. Pitcher Shea Harrison continued the Ram’s dominant pitching performance in the second game, striking out four while not allowing an earned run over five innings.

     The Rams offense was the story of the first game as they battered UMHB pitchers Bill Pearce and Tanner Vaughan for twelve runs on seven hits before the game was called in the fifth. Clifford drove in five runs on two hits while scoring two. Anthony Bolivar contributed one stolen base and three RBI on two singles.

     Tied at three entering the seventh inning of the second game, center fielder Mark Smajstrla reached second base on an error by UMHB left fielder Cody Davis. Crusader Head Coach chose to intentionally walk Jason Vaughn to get to catcher Josh Vander Hey. Vander Hey fouled off several pitches before drawing a walk to load the bases for Clifford. Clifford torched the first pitch from pitcher Les Sarles through the left side of the infield to score Smajstrla and end the game. The RBI was Clifford’s team leading fourteenth.

     Texas Wesleyan plays again Saturday March 12th as they take on the Northpark (Ill.) University Vikings in doubleheader action. First pitch is at noon. All home games are played at LaGrave Field in Fort Worth.