March 17, 2025 

WAXAHACHIE, TX – The Nelson University Lions took the field Saturday looking to close out their conference series against the College of the Ozarks with a strong showing at the Lions Athletic Complex. However, an explosive third inning by the visiting team proved too much to overcome as the Lions fell 15-1 in the series finale.  

After a scoreless first inning, the College of the Ozarks broke through with a run in the second. But it was the third inning that proved to be the difference-maker putting Nelson in a deep hole early.  

Despite the deficit, Nelson refused to go down without a fight. The Lions' bullpen worked through multiple arms to stop the surge, with Justin Dunlap and Shawn Robertson putting together solid relief outings to limit the damage.  

Nelson's lone offensive spark came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Andrew Ortiz launched a solo home run to left field, giving the Lions something to celebrate. Jaxson Bates also contributed with a double, but overall, the Lions struggled to generate momentum against Ozarks' pitcher, who pitched a complete game, striking out nine and allowing just three hits.  

On the mound, Nelson used a committee approach, with Jake McMahan making the start but facing tough resistance from the Ozarks' offense.

Looking Ahead
The Lions will hit the road for their next conference matchup, facing Central Christian College (Kan.) in a doubleheader on Friday, March 21, at 12:00 PM in McPherson, KS.  

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.