ARLINGTON, TX - The Arlington Baptist University Patriots baseball team secured two impressive victories in their season-opening double header against the Huston Tillotson University Rams at Lon Goldstein Field on Thursday. The Patriots claimed game one with a score of 5-1 before taking game two 7-5, starting their 2025 campaign with a perfect 2-0 record.

In the opener, starting pitcher Corbyn Torti dominated on the mound, continuing his strong form from the 2023-24 season. Torti worked 5.2 innings, recording 8 strikeouts while allowing just two hits, one earned run, and three walks. His performance set the tone for the Patriots' success.

The Patriots' offense in game one was spearheaded by second baseman Major Cantrell, who went 3-for-3 with one run scored and one RBI. Left fielder Layne Wilkerson, third baseman Francisco Ochoa, and shortstop Jacob Ovalle each contributed two hits to the team's 12-hit attack. Ochoa drove in two runs, while Ovalle crossed the plate twice. Center fielder Carter Fagan added one hit, scored once, and drove in one run. The Patriots showed aggression on the basepaths, with Ochoa, Ovalle, and Fagan each recording a stolen base.

The nightcap proved to be a more tightly contested affair, with the Patriots prevailing 7-5. Major Cantrell continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Right fielder Joseph Galindo matched Cantrell's hit total, going 2-for-4 with one run scored. The game's defining moment came in the fourth inning when Layne Wilkerson launched a two-run home run, providing crucial momentum for the Patriots.

Alex Aleman started game two on the mound, working 3.2 innings and allowing four earned runs on six hits with two strikeouts. Ryan Mendiola provided strong relief, throwing 3.1 innings while allowing just one earned run on four hits and striking out five to secure the victory.

The Patriots will look to maintain their winning ways when they travel to Austin on Saturday, February 8th, for a another double header against the Rams at Downs Field. First pitches are scheduled for 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.