MARSHALL, Texas — Strong pitching down the stretch for no. 24 East Texas Baptist University (15-7) led to their 15^th win of the year just edging the College of Wooster (15-5), 6-5. ETBU's three-run fifth inning combined with two strong relief innings from Conner Smeltzer gave ETBU the one-run win.
 
Joaquin Costa recorded two hits, including a double, and added a stolen base to lead the team. Kahne Nolen contributed with a triple, driving in one run, as Connor Massimini notched a double and crossed the plate once. Carter Nannini delivered two hits, driving in two runs, and added a stolen base and Raef Wright had two hits with two runs scored. Justin Flannery added a RBI along with Kaden Wharton.
 
Cody Myers delivered a solid start for ETBU, pitching six innings with nine strikeouts and allowing 3 earned runs on four hits for the no decision. Matthew Irwin faced struggles in relief, conceding 2 runs on 2 hits over just 1/3 of an inning. Carter May finished the final two outs of the seventh inning and secured the win. Smeltzer closed the game effectively, earning a save with two innings of perfect pitching, striking out 4 batters, including the final three in the ninth inning.
 
In the second inning, Massimini doubled down the left field line and advanced to third on a bunt single by Wright. Flannery's fielder's choice allowed Wright to score, giving the Tigers a 1–0 lead.
 
In the fifth inning, the Tigers extended their lead. Nolen was hit by a pitch, and Massimini walked, setting the stage for Wright's bunt single to load the bases. Nannini delivered a crucial two-RBI single up the middle, scoring Nolen and Massimini to make it 3-1. Wright scored on a pitcher's error, bringing the score to 4–1 for ETBU through five innings.
 
Wooster responded in the sixth inning with a two-run homer, but the Tigers answered back in the bottom half. Costa doubled and scored on Nolen's triple, maintaining a 5–3 lead for ETBU.
 
The seventh inning saw Wooster close the gap with a two-RBI double to tie the game at five. May came in at this point in relief of Irwin and had two groundouts with a walk to end the threat. The Tigers took the lead, 6-5, when Nannini singled, stole second, and scored on Wharton's double down the left field line, for the one-run lead.
 
Smeltzer took the mound for the Tigers in the eighth and ninth innings, closing out the game with three strikeouts in the ninth to secure the win and earn the save.
 
ETBU will travel to LeTourneau University on Tuesday for a mid-week game.
 

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ETBU Top Performers
Joaquin Costa
- 2 hits
- 1 double
- 1 stolen base
 
Kahne Nolen
- 1 run
- 1 triple
- 2 walks
 
Carter Nannini
- 2 hits
- 2 RBIs
- 1 stolen base
 
Cody Myers
- 6 innings pitched
- 9 strikeouts
- 1.00 WHIP
 
Conner Smeltzer
- 2 innings pitched
- 4 strikeouts
- 2 saves