HOBBS, N.M. -- The University of the Southwest Mustangs wrapped up the 2026 regular season in memorable fashion this weekend, hosting #8 Texas A&M University–Victoria for a three‑game series at The Jake. After dropping the opener, Southwest responded with back‑to‑back wins, including a high‑scoring Senior Day victory Saturday, to take the series and close the regular season with momentum.
Game 1: A&M–Victoria 6, Southwest 1
Southwest opened the series Thursday afternoon but fell 6–1 in the opener. The Mustangs struck first in the second inning as Mark Gonzales came around to score, but A&M–Victoria answered with a three‑run fourth inning and added runs late to secure the win.
Alesandro Morrison led the Southwest offense with two hits, while Keigo Wajima earned the start on the mound. The Mustangs' bullpen worked through the final innings and limited further damage as Southwest looked to bounce back.
Game 2: Southwest 8, A&M–Victoria 7 (11 innings)
Southwest evened the series Friday night with an 8–7 walk‑off victory in 11 innings, showcasing resilience and late‑game execution. The Mustangs jumped ahead early before the contest turned into a back‑and‑forth battle.
Dong Joon Shin delivered a strong performance at the plate, while Mark Gonzales, Jadon Trujillo, and Alex Montiel each contributed key hits. The Southwest bullpen combined to hold A&M–Victoria scoreless in the later innings, giving the offense a chance to respond.
In the bottom of the 11th, Santiago Garcia delivered the game‑winning single down the right‑field line to walk it off and set the tone ahead of Saturday's finale.
Game 3 (Senior Day): Southwest 18, A&M–Victoria 12
On Senior Day, the Mustangs sent their seniors out in style, erupting for an 18–12 win and securing the series victory in the final regular‑season game at The Jake.
Southwest powered its way to the win behind a 13‑hit offensive performance. Dong Joon Shin led the way with two home runs and four RBIs, while Alex Montiel and Mark Gonzales combined for seven RBIs. Vyncent Chavez added multiple extra‑base hits as the Mustangs applied consistent pressure throughout the lineup.
The Mustangs used a pitching‑by‑committee approach, with multiple arms contributing in a back‑and‑forth game. Ryland Pittman earned the win in relief as Southwest outlasted the Jaguars in a contest that featured scoring in nearly every inning.
Head Coach Steve Appel
"I thought our guys played well all weekend and we found a way to win the series over a top ten nationally ranked team. Crazy things happen on senior weekends here in Hobbs, and this year didn't disappoint.
We know we can be a really good baseball team and we have to continue how we are playing into the first round against another really good team and last years national champion. We know that if we forget about who we are playing and just play the game, we can beat anyone just as we have beaten ourselves in some games earlier this year. It's on us to mentally prepare for this and I believe our guys just might be up to the challenge now. Let's just hope we can continue to play our best baseball at the end of the year to find a way to make it one more weekend and find a way to get to Sterlington."
The Mustangs finish the regular season on a high note, taking two of three from the nation's top‑ranked team and honoring their senior class with a statement win at home. Southwest now turns its attention to next week for the Red River Athletic Conference tournament, carrying confidence and momentum into the next phase of the season.
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