Tarleton State University’s baseball squad clinched a hard‑fought 5‑3 victory over California Baptist University on Friday, earning a berth in the Western Athletic Conference Championship game.
The win, played in Mesa, Arizona, not only secured the Texans’ second conference title in three years but also positioned them one step closer to a coveted spot in the NCAA Division I Regional tournament.
Key Moments and Performances
Offensively, senior slugger Raphaël Smeenk powered the offense with two solo home runs, while sophomore Slade McCloud, freshman Carson Lorch and sophomore Rayner Heinrich each contributed multiple hits.
On the mound, junior right‑hander Ethan Wendel recorded his sixth win of the season, striking out two batters over 5.2 innings, and senior reliever Tai Phetluangsy notched his eighth save of the year by retiring three batters in the ninth inning.
Coach Fuller Smith praised the team’s composure and execution, highlighting the pitching staff’s ability to limit California Baptist’s rally attempts in the later frames.
The Texans will now await the outcome of Friday’s elimination games, which will determine their opponent in the championship showdown.
With a blend of power hitting and steady pitching, Tarleton State looks to translate its conference dominance into a regional breakthrough.