Box Score

     FORT WORTH, Texas - The Texas Wesleyan baseball team fell to Howard Payne, 10-5, Wednesday afternoon at LaGrave Field.

     Texas Wesleyan (25-25) opened the scoring in the first inning when centerfielder Mark Smajstrla reached base on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a stolen base. He then reached third on an error by the shortstop and scored on a double steal to put the Rams ahead early, 1-0.

     Howard Payne (10-27) fought back with five runs in the third inning. They received a two RBI-single from leftfielder Ryan Kunz, an RBI-single from Tyler Menard and two unearned runs to put the Yellowjackets ahead, 5-1.

     The Rams pushed across single runs in both the third and fourth innings. Second baseman Eric Vaughn led off the second inning with a double to left field, then moved to third base on a ground out and scored on a RBI-groundout by catcher Jason Diaz. In the third inning first baseman Drew Jeffcoat led off with a double down the right field line. Right fielder Travis Clifford moved Jeffcoat to third base and designated hitter Nathan Brandt scored Jeffcoat on an infield single to shortstop.

     The Yellowjackets scored two more runs in the fifth inning, stringing together four hits to increase its lead to 7-3.

     Texas Wesleyan again fought back scoring a run in the fifth inning and six innings to cut the lead to 7-5.

     Howard Payne then scored three runs in the last three innings to put the game out of reach.

     Senior Chris Bayuk (1-3) suffered the loss for the Rams, allowing five runs, three of which were unearned, on six hits, while walking four and striking out one batter.

     Diaz led the Rams at the plate going 1-for-3 with one run scored and two RBI, while Clifford was 2-for-3 on the afternoon.

     Texas Wesleyan will be back in action this weekend when they host UT-Permian Basin in a three-game series. Friday's game will begin at 2 p.m. at Sycamore Park. Saturday's doubleheader will be at LaGrave Field. First-pitch is set for 1 p.m.