January 25, 2025 | The Jake 

Game 3

The University of the Southwest (USW) baseball team delivered an exceptional performance, defeating Southwestern Christian University (SWCU) with a commanding 10-0 shutout. The game, held at "The Jake," showcased a stellar effort from USW's hitters and pitchers, leaving SWCU struggling to find footing throughout the seven-inning match. 

Offensive Firepower from USW 

The scoring momentum began in the second inning when V. Chavez's single brought C. Miller home, opening the scoreboard. D. Amaya followed with a sacrifice fly to add another run. The third inning saw M. Gonzales driving in E. Hernandez with a double, further extending USW's lead. 

The offensive highlight came in the fourth inning when C. Miller smashed a grand slam home run, driving in four runs and cementing USW's dominant position. Gonzales also contributed a bases-loaded walk, bringing home Chavez. With runs coming in every few innings, USW's hitters displayed patience and power, capitalizing on pitching mistakes and delivering under pressure. 

Pitching Dominance 

On the mound, USW's pitchers were in complete control. Starter K. Carpio pitched six solid innings, allowing seven hits but no runs. He demonstrated remarkable poise, inducing nine groundouts and striking out three batters. Reliever M. Byrd closed the seventh inning with a flawless performance, striking out all three batters he faced. 

Defensive Precision 

USW's defense was flawless, committing zero errors and turning a crucial double play in the third inning to halt SWCU's offensive threats. In contrast, SWCU struggled defensively with two errors, which contributed to USW's scoring opportunities. 

Notable Performances 

• C. Miller: 1-for-3, grand slam, 4 RBIs, 2 runs scored. 

• M. Gonzales: 2-for-3, double, home run, 4 RBIs, 2 runs scored. 

• V. Chavez: 1-for-3, RBI single, and excellent defensive plays. 

This decisive victory improved USW's record to 2-0 for the season, while SWCU dropped to 0-2. The Southwest baseball team looks poised for an exciting season ahead with this strong start. They will aim to continue their momentum in the upcoming matchups. 

Game 4

The University of the Southwest (USW) started strong but could not withstand the relentless offense of Southwestern Christian University (SWCU), falling 19-5 in a seven-inning contest at "The Jake." After an early lead, the home team was overpowered by SWCU's explosive scoring in the middle innings.

Bright Start for USW

The Mustangs took control in the first inning with a two-RBI triple by C. Miller, followed by a heads-up baserunning play that added a third run. They tacked on two more runs in the second inning, showing patience at the plate and taking advantage of SWCU's early pitching struggles.

Momentum Shift

The tide turned in the third inning when SWCU began to capitalize on USW's defensive miscues and inconsistent pitching. Despite holding a 5-1 lead heading into the fourth inning, the Mustangs surrendered six runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, allowing SWCU to seize control of the game.

Offensive Highlights for USW

• C. Miller: 1-for-4, triple, 2 RBIs.
• B. Cardozo: 2-for-4, RBI single.
• D. Amaya: 2-for-4, consistent hitting at the top of the lineup.

Pitching Struggles and Defensive Woes

The Mustangs' pitching staff faced challenges containing SWCU's lineup, giving up 11 walks, two home runs, and 19 earned runs. Meanwhile, defensive lapses, including three errors, compounded USW's difficulties, allowing the visiting team to sustain long innings.

Coaches Comments
"It's always great to start the season with a series win, however there are still things we need to improve on. I thought in game 3 we had good pitching and defense and anytime you hang zeros on the opponent it makes things that much easier to produce energy and runs on the offensive side. In game 4, we just had a hard time throwing strikes and getting ahead. In the end, it just comes down to competing and I just didn't think we competed well. 

Even with losing the last game, there were still plenty to be excited about. We just have to work harder and hopefully we get to be outside a little more as a team. We know we are a better overall team than what we showed and I believe the guys are ready to put in the work to get there" Said Head Coach Steve Appel.