Sterling splits with William Wood in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas — Sterling College split a doubleheader with William Woods on Saturday, Feb. 7 at a neutral field in Sycamore Park. The Warriors won the first game with a 12-7 victory but came up short in a 10-6 loss in game 2.

Game 1

Sterling secured a 12-7 victory over William Woods with an offense highlighted by a four-run third inning, contributing to their 11 hits and 12 runs.

The Owls took an early lead in the first inning as Camron Casso scored on a wild pitch after reaching third on a groundout. Sterling responded in the bottom of the second when Emmanuel Huerta Cardenas was hit by a pitch and eventually scored on an RBI double by Ezavien Campos, narrowing the gap to 3–1.

The third inning marked a turning point for Sterling. Matthew Garcia doubled to right field, setting up Joshua Garcia and a subsequent error by the Owls' first baseman to allow Garcia to score. Cardenas then delivered a crucial two-RBI single, bringing both J. Garcia and Mitchel McDaniel home. Imanol Ramos capped off the four-run inning with an RBI single, pushing Sterling ahead 5–3.

In the fourth inning, William Wood capitalized on fielding errors to regain momentum with three unearned runs, including a two-RBI triple by Kaden Kinsler, taking a 6–5 lead. Sterling answered back in the bottom half as J. Garcia doubled and scored on an RBI single by Nehemiah House. Cardenas doubled to right center, bringing House home and putting Sterling back on top 7–6.

Sterling extended their lead in the fifth inning with a key performance from House, who singled and advanced on an error, clearing the bases with three RBIs. This surge increased Sterling's advantage to 10–6. In the sixth, Ramos hit a two-run homer, further solidifying Sterling's control at 12–7.

Sterling's defense held firm in the seventh, with Jordan Ramsey closing the game on the mound, securing a 12–7 victory for Sterling.

Jackson Califono pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing six runs on six hits with four walks and six strikeouts, using 85 pitches. Caleb Clark contributed 1 2/3 innings in relief, allowing one run on three hits with one walk and one strikeout, securing the win. Aaron Elsasser and Jack Ramsey combined for 1 2/3 scoreless innings, with Elsasser recording one strikeout and Ramsey allowing one hit with one strikeout. The Sterling pitchers collectively managed nine strikeouts over 7 innings.

M. Garcia contributed significantly with two runs scored and collected four assists from the shortstop position. J. Garcia added two runs and two hits, including a double, demonstrating his ability to get on base. House drove in four runs and stole a base, making a strong impact at the plate. Cardenas posted three RBIs and two runs, recording a double as part of his two-hit performance.

Game 2

In game 2, William Woods capitalized with a four-run seventh inning to secure the win.

In the first inning, both Sterling and William Woods scored a run each. Sterling's M. Garcia made a significant impact by singling to center field and eventually scoring on a passed ball, tying the game at 1-1. The third inning saw Sterling capitalize on a William Woods error, as Cardenas reached first and brought home Grayson Mulready and M. Garcia, putting Sterling ahead 3-1. By the end of the third, Sterling led 3-1.

In the fifth inning, William Woods regained momentum by scoring three runs, including two on an error and a walk, which shifted the lead to 4-3 in their favor. Sterling responded with M. Garcia scoring on a wild pitch and Cardenas hitting a solo home run, reclaiming the lead at 5-4. After the fifth, Sterling was ahead 5-4.

The sixth inning saw William Wood score two more runs, taking advantage of an error to lead 6-5. Sterling managed to add another run in the bottom half when Jackson Harding delivered an RBI single, leveling the score at 6-6. In the seventh inning, the Owls broke the tie with a grand slam by Kinsler, pushing them to a 10-6 lead, which they maintained to conclude the game. William Woods secured the victory with a final score of 10-6.

Lance Snyder pitched 3 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits while striking out four and walking five, finishing with a WHIP of 2.33. Eric Villa struggled in relief, conceding three earned runs on two hits, including a double, in 1 inning of work. Peyton Fletcher faced three batters, issuing two walks without allowing a hit. Aaron Elsasser contributed 1 inning with one earned run on one hit, recording a strikeout. Cooper Lovelace allowed one earned run on two hits over two-thirds of an inning, and Ramsey faced difficulties, giving up three earned runs, including a home run, without recording an out. Finally, Jack Trent closed the game with a scoreless inning, striking out two batters in his clean outing.

Cardenas made a significant impact by hitting a homerun and driving in three runs. M. Garcia contributed with three runs scored and added two stolen bases. Snyder pitched three innings, striking out four and allowing only one earned run. Mulready scored a run, collected a hit, and swiped a base.

The Warriors (3-3) will be back in action on Tuesday, Feb. 10 hosting Mid-America Christian Univeristy (2-4) in their home opener starting at 2 p.m. 

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.

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