Box Score

     TYLER, Texas - Every Ram starter had at least one hit, as Texas Wesleyan tallied 14 hits in its 8-5 victory over UT-Tyler Tuesday evening at Faulkner Park.

     Texas Wesleyan (20-16) outscored the UT-Tyler, 4-2 in the first three innings. First baseman Drew Jeffcoat had an RBI-fielder's choice and a home run to knock in two of the runs. Centerfielder Mark Smajstrla doubled in a run, while designated hitter Travis Clifford singled in the other run.

     "We played great defense tonight and manufactured runs," head coach Mike Jeffocat said. "We are moving runners over when we need to and we're hitting on all cylinders. This is a good time to be hot, with the important conference series against Northwood coming up this weekend."

     The Rams would score four more runs in the seventh inning, when Jeffcoat and third baseman Derek Armstrong both singled in runs, shortstop Corey Stansell doubled in a run and left fielder Eric Vaughn knocked in a run by sacrifice fly.

     UT-Tyler (13-10) would make it interesting by scoring three runs in the bottom of the seventh, but Smajstrla would take the mound to close out the game and pick up his fourth save of the season. The Burleson, Texas native pitched 1.2 hitless innings while striking out two batters.

     Ram starting pitcher David Hinson (4-2) picked up the victory, allowing one run on four hits in two innings of work.

     Jeffcoat led the Ram attack by going 2-for-4 with a round-tripper, two runs scored and three RBI. Clifford also went 2-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI.

     "Drew is starting to swing the bat really well," Jeffcoat said. "His confidence is starting to come back to him and he has began working the count in his favor more often. He just needs to continue to stay aggressive at the plate and good things will happen."

     Texas Wesleyan will be back in action Friday when they travel to take on conference-rival Northwood. The single game is set for 2 p.m.