NAIA Ball Team of the Week #5

NAIA Ball Team of the Week – Nelson (TX)

Nelson (TX) could not have thought of a better way of opening conference play than sweeping #21 Texas Wesleyan. Nelson (TX) would sweep Texas Wesleyan 3-0 and outscore them 26-14.

In game one, Nelson (TX) would win in the bottom of the ninth on a walk-off error. Eli Lyons would reach first base safely on a Texas Wesleyan misplay allowing Xavion Thompson to score the winning run and giving Nelson (TX) the 7-6 victory. Freshman Layton Mogford would pick up the win in this game and pick up his first win of the season.

Game two would see Nelson (TX) shutting out Texas Wesleyan. A dominant pitching performance by Ryan Avalos would lead to a 4-0 win for Nelson (TX). Avalos would throw a complete game shutout, only allowing two hits and one walk. Avalos would finish the day with zero earned runs and 7 strikeouts to his name, picking up his first win of the season.

The series finale seemed to be an offensive explosion for Nelson (TX). Led by Andrew Ortiz and Zeke Holder, who both had home runs in this game, Nelson (TX) would complete the sweep with a 15-8 victory upsetting #21 Texas Wesleyan. Freshman Shawn Roberston would be credited with the win on the bump as he went four innings pitched and only allowed three runs. 

Nelson (TX) will continue conference play from February 28 – March 8 as they take on SAC opponents Science and Arts (OK) and Oklahoma City. 

-Cooper Carter