Box Score Game One
Box Score Game Two
Box Score Game Three

     FORT WORTH, Tx. - Starting Pitchers Jason Hopson, Shea Harrison, and David Hinson dominated the visiting Falcons as the Texas Wesleyan Rams (28-16, 11-1 in RRAC) swept conference rival University of Texas of the Permian Basin (10-21, 4-8 in RRAC) in a three game series.

     Hopson pitched a complete game shutout as Wesleyan won 4-0 Friday afternoon. Harrison followed up with a seven inning complete game to win the second game 5-2. Hinson completed the sweep as the Rams won the final contest 3-1.

     Hopson carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before surrendering a single to Falcon third baseman Rusty Baker. Hopson recorded a season high nine strikeouts while walking none. No UTPB base runner advanced beyond first base. The win improved Hopson’s record to 6-1 on the year and lowered his earned run average to 2.06.

     Sophomore Jason Diaz stole home in the first to provide all the offense the Rams would need in game one. He provided additional insurance in the sixth inning when he drove in shortstop Billie Hicks. Diaz later scored on a Mark Smajstrla sacrifice. The quick right fielder, Diaz finished the day with three singles, three runs scored, and two stolen bases.

     In game two, Harrison surrendered a leadoff homerun to left fielder Eric Gutierrez to start the game, but then retired 15 of the next 19 batters. In recording the complete game, Harrison allowed five hits, struck out seven, and walked just one. Harrison advanced to 7-1 this season. His 55 strikeouts lead the team.

     Utility man Jarod Baker got the start at third base, and came through for the Rams in the second inning by driving in Zach Archer and Mark Smajstrla on a single up the middle. Bake finished the game with two singles, two runs batted in, and two stolen bases. Smajstrla went two for three with a double and single.

     In the series finale, Hinson took a no-hitter into the fourth inning. The Senior Pre-Law major retired the Falcons in order four of seven innings. The strong outing came on the heels of a rough game against Henderson St (Ar.) where he allowed six runs on seven hits. Hinson is now 7-5 on the year with a 4.48 earned run average. His 68.1 innings lead the team.

     Chase Martin pitched two scoreless innings to record his first save of the year.

     Senior Second baseman Anthony Bolivar drove in the winning runs in the seventh inning. Bolivar singled, doubled, and drew a walk to go along with the two runs batted in.

     For Permian Basin, starting pitcher/short stop Shayne Moody was extremely involved. The freshman received the loss in the first game despite pitching eight strong innings. He also hit two singles, stole two bases, and scored one run.

     The Rams are 28-16 on the year, 11-1 in Red River Conference play. They currently reside in first place of the Northern Division; one game ahead of Northwood University.

     Texas Wesleyan kicks off a busy week with trips to Howard Payne University and Paul Quinn College Monday and Tuesday. Paul Quinn visits Sycamore Park Wednesday afternoon as the Tigers take on the Rams in a Red River Conference doubleheader. Game one gets started at 2 p.m. Dallas Baptist comes to town Friday April 22nd for an evening of excitement. First pitch of the single game is at 7 p.m.