ABILENE – The ACU Wildcats made history on Tuesday night, securing their first-ever win over a ranked opponent at Crutcher Scott Field with a commanding 7-1 victory over #17 Dallas Baptist. In front of an electric crowd, ACU, now 16-9 put together a complete performance, outplaying the nationally ranked Patriots, now 16-8, in all phases of the game.
From the first pitch, the Wildcats proved they were ready for the challenge. Despite Dallas Baptist striking first with an early run in the top of the first inning, ACU immediately responded. Braden Regala singled to center and later scored on a clutch RBI double from Diego Cardenas, tying the game at 1-1 and setting the tone for the night.
The Wildcats took control in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on a DBU error and timely hitting to plate two more runs. Louis Bussard delivered an RBI double before coming around to score on a defensive miscue, giving ACU a 3-1 lead.
ACU applied pressure, adding two more runs in the fourth and another in the fifth. A sacrifice fly from Benjamin Greer and an RBI single from Sam Hardcastle extended the lead to 6-1. The Wildcats capped off the scoring in the seventh with another sacrifice fly, sealing the 7-1 victory.
While the offense provided plenty of run support, ACU's pitching staff delivered a lights-out performance. After a short start from Noah Galvan, the Wildcats turned to their bullpen, which responded with 8.0 shutout innings against one of the nation's top offenses.
Blaine Palmer earned the win with two scoreless innings, while OJ Gonzalez, Brady Coe, David Jeon, and Caden Greanead combined to silence the DBU bats. The ACU bullpen scattered just three hits and allowed no runs while striking out seven.
Diego Cardenas led the way offensively, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI. Regala and Bussard each contributed two hits, with Bussard driving in two runs. Greer, Hardcastle, and Cardenas also recorded RBIs as ACU racked up 12 hits against a tough DBU pitching staff.
Tuesday's win marks a significant milestone for the ACU baseball program, as it not only represents the team's first victory over a ranked opponent at home but also reinforces the Wildcats' ability to compete with some of the best teams in the country.
After this monumental victory, the Wildcats head to Orem, Utah for their second conference series against Utah Valley. The Wolverines currently stand first in the conference, and the Wildcats are looking to take the crown on the weekend.
