Box Score


     FORT WORTH, Texas - Texas Wesleyan's five-game winning streak was snapped on Wednesday afternoon by UT-Tyler, who defeated the Rams, 8-3, at LaGrave Field.

     UT-Tyler (24-15) pounded out 13 hits off of four different Ram pitchers to claim the first game of the doubleheader. Game two of the doubleheader was cancelled due to rain.

     The Patriots opened the scoring in the first inning stringing four hits off of Ram starting pitcher Shea Harrison to put two runs on the board.

     Texas Wesleyan (30-26) fought back, scoring a run in the bottom of the first inning. Right fielder Jason Diaz and centerfielder Mark Smajstrla led off the inning with singles. They both advanced a base on a double steal. A RBI-groundout by designated hitter Travis Clifford scored Diaz to cut the lead to, 2-1.

     UT-Tyler pushed another run across the plate in the third inning, when rightfielder Kevin Noles singled in Justin Ard to make the score, 3-1.

     The Rams fought back once again, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Shortstop Corey Stansell singled to lead off the inning and advanced to third on a failed pickoff attempt by Patriot starting pitcher, Rushing Smith. Diaz followed with a triple to right-center field to score Stansell. A RBI-groundout by Smajstrla scored Diaz to knot the score, 3-3.

     The Patriots pulled away in the last four innings, scoring three times in the fifth inning and putting it out of reach with two more runs in the seventh inning.

     Sophomore Ryan Cowgell (3-4) suffered the loss for the Rams, allowing three runs on three hits in two innings of relief work.

     Smith picked up the victory for the Patriots, allowing three runs on eight hits in seven innings of work.

     Diaz led the Rams offense, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a RBI.

     Texas Wesleyan will be back in action Saturday when they travel to take on conference-rival Houston Baptist. The doubleheader is set to begin at 1 p.m.