January 31, 2025
Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Lions took the field for their first home games of the season in an action-packed doubleheader against Avila University (Mo.) at the Lions Athletic Complex. The day featured powerful swings, clutch pitching, and a dramatic comeback attempt as the Lions battled their way to a series split.
Game 1
Despite a resilient offensive effort, Nelson University fell just short in a high-scoring thriller, dropping a 13-9 decision in Game 1.
Avila jumped out early, putting up three runs in the first and adding three more in the third to build a 6-0 lead. The Lions responded in the bottom of the third when Jaxson Bates knocked in the first run with a sharp single to left.
Momentum swung in the fourth as Tate Thrasher launched a two-run homer to ignite the Lions' comeback. In the fifth, Tristan McGee delivered the biggest hit of the game—a towering three-run home run that erased an 8-4 deficit and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Nelson took its first lead in the sixth when Wesley Flatt crushed a solo shot over the wall, putting the Lions ahead 9-8. However, Avila capitalized in the seventh with a five-run rally, closing the door on Nelson's comeback bid.
On the mound, Blaine Vaughan took the loss, while Jake McMahan, Justin Dunlap, Layton Mogford, and Matthew Ramos combined to navigate through a deep Avila lineup.
Game 2
Determined to bounce back, Nelson University responded with a strong all-around performance to secure a 4-2 win in the nightcap.
Shawn Robertson set the tone with a dominant start, allowing just one hit while striking out six over four innings. After Avila took a 1-0 lead in the second, the Lions struck back in the fourth when Kaden Moeller delivered an RBI single, scoring Andrew Ortiz to tie the game.
The decisive fifth inning saw Jaxson Bates step up with a clutch RBI single, followed by a two-run single from Nick Mosley that put the Lions in control.
From there, Hamilton Moye locked things down in relief, tossing three innings of one-hit ball to earn the win and the save.
The Lions (3-3) showed their resilience, taking the momentum into the next stretch of games.
Next Up
Nelson University looks to build on their strong finish today as they face Avila University (Mo.) at the Lions Athletic Complex Feb 1 (Sat) at 12 PM and 2:30 PM for the back side of their home series.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
