FORT WORTH, Texas – Texas Wesleyan (12-7) batters launched three home runs as the Rams defeated the North Park Vikings 16-8 and 11-9.

     In the first game, every Wesleyan batter reached base as the team collected 19 hits and three walks. Jayson Rachuig mowed through Vikings batters for the first three innings before surrendering the first hit in the fourth inning. Rachuig struck out five over four innings pitched.

     Wesleyan jumped out to a quick 6-1 lead before North Park closed to 6-5 in the fifth inning. But SS Billie Hicks’ leadoff homerun and Mark Smajstrla’s bases loaded triple blew the game open as the Rams scored seven in the bottom of the fifth to take a 13-5 lead that North Park would be unable to recover from.

     Travis Clifford hit his second round tripper of the season while going four for four with a walk. Clifford, the team leader in runs batted in, knocked in four teammates.

     Leftfielder Dan Bruce knocked a ball over the leftfield fence to start the fourth inning, and finished with four hits and two stolen bases to go along with five RBI.

     In the second game of the doubleheader, Wesleyan manufactured five runs in the sixth inning, and withstood a late four run rally by the Vikings to win. Freshman Caleb Thomas struck out the would-be tying run to end the game and record his first save.

     Starter David Hinson struck out five over five innings while not allowing a single earned run to pick up the win.

     Catcher Josh Vander Hey continued his strong season with two doubles, two singles, and a walk over the two games. Vander Hey caught in the first game before getting a break DHing the second.

     Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat mixed up his lineup for the second game as usual reserves Nathan Brandt, Brandon Frazier, and Zach Smith got the start. Dan Bruce slid over to second base, Brad Henderson started at first, Brandt played third base, Smith started at SS, and Frazier played leftfield.

     The Rams travel to Oklahoma City Tuesday to take on the Stars in a doubleheader. Texas Wesleyan will be back at LaGrave Field to take on the Fighting Saints of St. Francis (IL) University. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.