SHREVEPORT, LA —
Oklahoma Wesleyan opened play in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament with an emphatic 8–0 win over Huston-Tillotson on Monday at Pilot Field.
After a scoreless first two innings, the Eagles struck first in the third. Caden Stinson doubled to lead off the frame and later scored on an RBI double by Wally Diaz. Oklahoma Wesleyan added another run in the inning on a double-play groundout to take a 2–0 lead.
That margin held until the bottom of the seventh, when the Eagles broke the game wide open. Oklahoma Wesleyan plated six runs on four hits, capitalizing on disciplined at-bats and timely hitting to put the game out of reach. Daurys Manzanillo delivered an RBI single, Joseph Gutierrez added an RBI hit, and the Eagles drew key walks and were hit by pitches with the bases loaded to fuel the rally.
On the mound, Gavin Florio turned in a standout performance, earning the win by tossing seven shutout innings. He limited Huston-Tillotson to just three hits while striking out six and working out of several traffic-filled innings. Jacob Morgan closed the door with two scoreless frames in relief to complete the shutout.
Diaz led the offense with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI, while Manzanillo added a pair of hits and an RBI. Oklahoma Wesleyan finished with nine hits and nine walks, showing patience and depth throughout the lineup.
With the win, Oklahoma Wesleyan advances in the NAIA National Tournament, continuing a strong postseason opening and setting the tone for the games ahead.
