BROWNWOOD, Texas - Texas Wesleyan's offense came alive Tuesday, as they pounded out 35 hits in two games against Howard Payne. The Rams defeated the Yellowjackets, 17-2 in game one and ran away with game two, 16-3.

     "I think the guys have been making a conscience effort to get better at the plate and I can see that during practice," head coach Mike Jeffcoat said. "Everyone is just trying to hit ground balls and line drives. Earlier in the season, we were hitting the ball in the air too much and you can't win games like that."

     Texas Wesleyan (7-9) also received some great pitching as Ram pitchers allowed only one earned run and eight hits during the doubleheader.

     "Our pitchers did a great job today," Jeffcoat said. "They threw strikes and got ahead of the batters. We didn't give up many walks today and that is key in college baseball."

     In game one, Texas Wesleyan opened the scoring in the first inning as they put four runs on the board. Catcher Matt Putman had a RBI-single, while designated hitter Drew Jeffocat delivered a two-run triple. Second baseman Anthony Bolivar then singled in Jeffcoat to put the Rams, ahead, 4-0.

     Howard Payne (3-13) cut the lead to 4-1, as the Yellowjackets manufactured a run off of Ram starting pitcher David Hinson. Hinson's balked in an unearned run.

     The Rams then put the game away, by scoring 13 runs over the last four innings.

     Leftfielder Eric Vaughn, first baseman Travis Clifford and Bolivar each had three RBI in the first game, while Centerfielder Mark Smajstrla, Putman and Jeffcoat all had two RBI. Vaughn led all Ram hitters with three hits.

     Hinson (2-1) picked up the victory for the Rams, as he allowed two runs off of four hits, while walking three and striking out one batter in five innings of work.

     In game two, Texas Wesleyan again jumped out to an early lead, scoring seven runs in the first two innings. The big blow came in the fourth when the Rams scored seven runs to put the game out of reach.

     "I have been telling the guys that is very important to win the first inning," Jeffcoat said. "In our losses this season we have fell behind early, and you are not able to do whole lot offensively when you are behind. These last four games, we have won that first inning and our offense has just taken over from there."

     Smajstrla led the Rams in game two going 4-for-5, with three runs scored and one RBI. Third baseman Derek Armstrong finished 3-for-4 with a team-high four RBI. Vaughn again had the hot hand, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBI.

     Vaughn finished the day, 5-for-8, with five runs scored and six RBI. Leftfielder Jason Diaz went 5-for-7 with four runs scored.

     Eric Cartmill (2-0) picked up the victory for the Rams, allowing only three unearned runs off of three hits, while walking one and striking out six Yellowjackets in five innings of work.

     The Rams have now won six straight games and seven of their last eight.

     Texas Wesleyan will be back in action Friday when the host Northpark (Ill.) at LaGrave Field. First-pitch is set for 2 p.m. The two teams will also square off in a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 12 p.m.