PLAINVIEW, Texas – Despite a strong offensive effort, the Southwest Mustangs couldn't overcome an early deficit and fell to Wayland Baptist 7-5 on Tuesday afternoon.

The Pioneers came out swinging, putting up six runs in the first two innings and never surrendering the lead. Southwest chipped away at the margin with a pair of home runs and a late push, but ultimately left seven runners stranded.

Southwest (22-20, 10-13 RRAC) jumped ahead early when outfielder Brady Cardozo launched a solo home run to left in the top of the first. However, Wayland Baptist (31-14, 19-5 SAC) responded with three runs in their half of the inning and added three more in the second, capitalizing on timely hits and aggressive baserunning.

Starter Mason Musgrave (1-1) took the loss after allowing six earned runs over 2.1 innings. Marco Duab came in to relieve and was a bright spot for the Mustangs, throwing 2.2 innings and recording five strikeouts while allowing just one run. Jeffrey Mathis followed with three scoreless frames to keep Southwest in striking distance.

The Mustangs narrowed the gap with a two-run fourth inning, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from Sage Bonner and an RBI single from David Amaya. Designated hitter Brian Ledezma kept the momentum going in the fifth, blasting a solo homer to left to bring Southwest within two.

Cardozo delivered again in the ninth with an RBI single that scored pinch-hitter Matthew Gonzales, but the rally fell short as Wayland closer Joel Escamilla shut the door for the save.

Cardozo finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Ledezma went 2-for-5 with a homer and an RBI. Catcher Jose Rosales also chipped in two hits.