Pioneers Drop Two Close Games at Nelson, Split Four-Game Road Series

WAXAHACHIE, Texas --- The Wayland Baptist Pioneers battled through a tightly contested doubleheader on Saturday in Waxahachie, ultimately coming up just short in both games against Nelson.
 
Game 1: Nelson 2, Wayland Baptist 1

The opener was a pitcher's duel that saw the Pioneers outhit Nelson but struggle to capitalize on key opportunities. Wayland Baptist tallied nine hits compared to Nelson's six but left nine runners on base in the narrow 2-1 loss.

Kynleigh Kirby led the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with a double, while Reagan Davis-Pena added two hits and scored the lone run. Mikenzi Carlo drove in Wayland's only run with an RBI double in the fifth inning to tie the game at 1-1.

Kirby was strong in the circle as well, tossing a complete game and allowing just two runs—only one earned—on six hits while striking out four. However, defensive miscues proved costly. Nelson plated its first run in the third inning on an error and later pushed across the game-winning run in the sixth following another defensive miscue and a sacrifice fly.

Wayland had chances late, including a double from Kirby in the seventh, but couldn't find the equalizer as Nelson held on.
 
Game 2: Nelson 9, Wayland Baptist 8

The second game turned into an offensive battle, with the Pioneers mounting an impressive late comeback that ultimately fell just short.

After falling behind 7-1 early, Wayland Baptist chipped away throughout the game before exploding for four runs in the top of the seventh inning. Key hits from Mikayla Carrillo and Kailee Sanchez fueled the rally, with Sanchez delivering a clutch two-run double to give the Pioneers an 8-7 lead.

Carrillo paced the offense with a 3-for-4 performance and two RBIs, while Sanchez added three RBIs on two hits. Lorynn Wolf also contributed with an RBI single, and Reagan Davis-Pena scored twice and reached base multiple times.

Despite the late surge, Nelson answered in the bottom half of the seventh. A series of hits and a hit-by-pitch allowed Nelson to tie the game before a walk-off sequence sealed the 9-8 win.

In the circle, Logan Schultz took the loss after allowing seven runs in three innings, while Erin Trevino provided relief, giving up two runs over 3.1 innings.
 
Up Next

The Pioneers will return home for another SAC series, hosting Southwestern Christian on Friday, March 27^th. The two teams will open the series with a doubleheader, and Game One is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM.