FORT WORTH, Texas - Texas Wesleyan freshman pitcher David Miller allowed only three hits, while striking out eight batters in six innings of work as the Rams defeated Waldorf College, 3-1, Wednesday afternoon at LaGrave Field.

     Miller (1-0) struck out five of the first nine Warrior batters. The Fort Worth, Texas native, native picked up his first career victory as a Ram.

     Texas Wesleyan (11-10) got on the board in the first inning when centerfielder Mark Smajstrla and third baseman Derek Armstrong both had solo home runs to put the Rams ahead, 2-0, after the first frame.

     Waldorf College (1-9) put two runners on base in both the fourth and fifth innings but couldn't scratch across any runs as Miller recovered to keep the Warriors off of the scoreboard.

     The Warriors finally broke through in the seventh inning, when right fielder Dustin Dellachiesa drew a leadoff walk and left fielder Adam Helm reach base when reliever Jayson Rachuig hit him with a pitch. Second baseman A.J. Luckhardt's sacrifice bunt went straight to Armstrong who gunned Dellachiesa at third, but Ram shortstop Corey Stansell's throw over to first sailed over first base and Helm scored the Warrior's first run to cut the lead to 2-1. Rachuig settled down to strikeout the final two batters to strand the Warrior runner on third base.

     The Rams would add a run in the eighth inning as Armstrong knocked in freshman Nathan Brandt to provide the final margin, 3-1.

     Rachuig picked up his first career save as he allowed one unearned run, but no hits, as he struck out two batters in three innings of work.

     Smajstrla led the Rams, going 3-for-3 with one RBI, while Armstrong finished the day 2-for-4 with two RBI.

     Texas Wesleyan will be back in action Thursday when they host William Jewell in a doubleheader at LaGrave Field. First-pitch is set for 1 p.m.