Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score


     FORT WORTH, Texas - The bats came alive for Texas Wesleyan in their doubleheader sweep of Howard Payne on Thursday afternoon. The Lady Rams scored five runs in the sixth inning to take game one, 10-2 by virtue of the run-rule. They poured it on in game two, ripping 16 hits on their way to an 18-1 victory.

     In game one, Howard Payne (6-8) opened the scoring in the first inning when centerfield Kassie Kilburn doubled to lead off the game, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a two-out double by designated player Tiffany Wolfe.

     Texas Wesleyan (10-11) fought back by pushing across four runs in the bottom of the first. The highlight of the inning was left fielder Rachel Hampton's two-run blast over the left-center wall.

     The Lady Rams added another run in the second inning, when centerfielder Kamie Lancaster laced a two-out single to centerfield and scored on a double by shortstop Vanessa Urtega, to increase the lead to 5-1.

     The Lady Yellowjackets cut the deficit by one in the third inning, when Kilburn drew a leadoff walk, stole second base and scored on a single by right fielder Dayberly Hopper to make the score, 5-2.

     Texas Wesleyan starting pitcher Tara Sharp went to work from there, setting the Howard Payne lineup down in order the next three innings.

     Sharp (4-3) allowed two runs on five hits, while walking one and striking out two batters to pick up the victory for the Lady Rams.

     Urtega led the way for Texas Wesleyan in the first game, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Hampton chipped in, by going 2-for-4 with four RBI.

     In game two, Texas Wesleyan used a 12-run second inning to take game two, 18-1.

     Second baseman Danah Merck led the Lady Ram offense by going 3-for-4 with four RBI and three runs scored. Hampton again was a main factor, registering three hits in as many at-bats and producing five RBI. Right fielder Amanda Macuch also chipped in with a three-run home run to left field.

     Maria Morones (3-5) picked up the victory for Texas Wesleyan, allowing one run off of two hits, while walking one and striking out one in five innings of work.

     Hampton finished the day, 5-for-7, with nine RBI and two runs scored.

     The Lady Rams will be back in action Saturday when the travel to take on conference-rival UT-Permian Basin in Odessa. The doubleheader is scheduled for 5 p.m.