February 1, 2025  

Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Lions put on a show in their home-opening doubleheader against Avila University (Mo.), staging a thrilling come-from-behind victory in Game 1 (12-10) and cruising to a commanding 14-6 win in Game 2 at the Lions Athletic Complex on Saturday.  

Game 1
It was a rollercoaster opener, as the Lions found themselves in a deep 8-0 hole after the first inning. But instead of folding, Nelson chipped away at the deficit before unleashing a nine-run explosion in the sixth inning to flip the game on its head.  

Key plays included Zeke Holder's clutch three-run homer to cap off the massive rally and David Ortiz's two-RBI double that ignited the late-game fireworks. On the mound, Dylan Zajicek entered in relief and delivered 3.2 innings of one-run ball to keep the Lions within striking distance. Closer Landon Mogford sealed the deal with a shutout seventh to notch the save.  
 

Game 2
Unlike Game 1, Nelson wasted no time asserting dominance in the second contest. A seven-run second inning set the tone, featuring Blake Speas' bases-clearing double and Elias Benavides' RBI single The Lions kept their foot on the gas, plating four more in the third and three in the fifth to put the game out of reach. 

On the mound, Jesse Balderas delivered a strong start, working 5.2 innings with four strikeouts, while Parker Ramsey closed it out in relief.  
 

Next Up 
The Lions (6-3) hit the road for their next matchup against Wiley University on Tuesday, February 4 at 2:30 PM in Marshall, TX.  

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.