Victoria, Texas – The Wayland Baptist Pioneers opened their 2024 campaign on the road Saturday dropping their first doubleheader against the Jaguars of the University of Houston-Victoria. The Pioneers, opening the season sixth in the Sooner Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, lost the first contest 1-0 and the second game 3-2.
Juan Gil-Franco made the opening game start for the Pioneers and was outstanding through 5 innings. Gil-Franco only allowed one base hit, one walk, and 7 strikeouts on 68 pitches while retiring 16 of the 17 batters he faced.
The Pioneer offense had a tough time reaching base in the opener, only recording two hits and two walks.
Delvis Claudio and
Felix Polanco each recorded a hit for the Pioneers, while
Brayden Peyton and
Cooper Jauz each worked walks. The only run during the first matchup came on a wild pitch in the 6
th inning that plated a Jaguar.
Wellington Vargas made the start for the Pioneers in Game 2 of the opening day doubleheader. He went 2.2 innings, allowing 3 runs with 2 earned runs, 7 walks, and 1 strikeout.
Nathan Baca came into the ballgame in relief for the Pioneers and went 2.1 scoreless innings, giving up 1 hit, 1 walk, and striking out 1.
The Pioneers were able to get two on base in the first after a leadoff double by
Axel Guerrero and an infield single by Claudio but were unable to score either. The Pioneers got their first run of the season in the 2
nd inning after a steal of home by
Jose Ayala. Claudio hit the first home run of the season for the Pioneers to leadoff the third inning and extend the lead to 2-0. The Jaguars responded with 3 runs in the bottom half of the third that proved to be the decider as they went on to win 3-2.
The Pioneers will finish their opening series road matchup with the University of Houston-Victoria tomorrow with another doubleheader. First pitch in game 1 tomorrow is set for 12:00 PM.
