Strong pitching, big bats carry WC to two wins

Runs were at a premium in the opener before No. 23 Weatherford College broke loose in the nightcap, taking both games in a conference baseball doubleheader against Vernon College on Wednesday at Roger Williams Ballpark. 

The twinbill marked Weatherford College's resumption of conference play after a week off and drew an energetic daytime crowd that included more than 100 students from Austin Elementary School. 

WC edged Vernon 3-2 in the opener behind strong pitching and timely power, then rolled to a 15-5 victory in the second game. 

The Coyotes improved to 27-17 overall and 15-7 in conference play.  

In the first game, scoring chances were scarce as both teams leaned on their starting pitchers. Weatherford broke through in the bottom of the fourth inning when Walt Jones and Jackson Irons hit back-to-back solo home runs to left field, and another run scored on a groundout later in the frame. 

That margin was just enough for right-hander Jack Cagianello, who worked six and one-third innings for WC. Cagianello allowed two runs on five hits, struck out six and did not issue a walk. Vernon pulled within one in the top of the seventh on a two-run homer by Jacob Wehba, but Rodney Pena closed the door in relief. 

Weatherford finished with eight hits, led by Jake Overstreet and Kyzer Harrington with two apiece. The Coyotes were clean defensively, turning two double plays and committing no errors. 

The second game was a different story. 

Weatherford struck early and often, then put the game out of reach with a nine-run fourth inning. Ty Waid did the bulk of the damage, driving in five runs on a two-run double in the third inning and a three-run homer to left in the fourth. It was Waid's 18th home run of the season, tied for 14th in the nation. 

The Coyotes scored in each of the first four innings to take a 15-0 lead. Joseph Sandusky, Kaden Robardey and Garrett Schroeder provided depth at the bottom of the lineup, combining for six hits, eight RBI and five runs scored. 

Vernon avoided the shutout with five runs in the top of the fifth, highlighted by Jayden Lusk's grand slam to right field. Lusk finished 2 for 3 with four RBIs. 

AJ Miera earned the win for Weatherford, giving up five runs (one earned) over five innings.  

Weatherford totaled nine hits in the game and showed patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks. The Coyotes also turned a double play as they completed the sweep and opened the final stretch of conference play with momentum and plenty of encouragement from a youthful crowd in the stands. 

The Coyotes and Chaparrals resume the series on Saturday in Vernon. WC returns home Wednesday, April 22, in a doubleheader against North Central Texas College. The first game will begin at noon at Williams Ballpark.