Game 1 – Saturday

Howard Payne opened the weekend series in Irving with a tight contest but ultimately fell 4-3 to The University of Dallas. The Yellow Jackets collected nine hits in the game and jumped out to an early lead with a two-run second inning. Colby Chapman drove in the first run with a single to center, and Hunter Pope followed with an RBI double to give Howard Payne a 2-0 advantage.

Chapman finished a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with an RBI, while Pope also added two hits and drove in a run. John Garza contributed with a 2-for-4 performance, and Landon Prestage added a hit and scored a run as the Yellow Jackets kept pressure on the Dallas pitching staff throughout the afternoon.

Dallas slowly chipped away at the lead before Howard Payne tied the game in the seventh inning when Nader Gulamhusein delivered an RBI single to score Jace Mackenzie. The game remained even until the bottom of the eighth when Dallas plated the go-ahead run to secure the 4-3 victory.

On the mound, Luke Watkins started for the Yellow Jackets and struck out five over 4.1 innings of work. Trace Garcia provided solid relief, allowing just one run while recording two strikeouts across 2.2 innings, and Kaleb Kuligowski closed out the final frame.
 

Game 2 – Saturday

Howard Payne bounced back in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader with a 4-3 victory over Dallas behind a strong pitching performance from Brant Wilson and a big day at the plate from Landon Prestage. The Yellow Jackets totaled 13 hits in the win and jumped out early with two runs in the first inning after RBI singles from Prestage and Joshua Lile.

Prestage led the offensive charge with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, driving in three runs including the eventual game-winning RBI double in the sixth inning that scored Nader Gulamhusein. Braden Franks also had a strong outing at the plate, finishing 3-for-4, while Aj Tapia, Hunter Pope, and Jace Mackenzie each added hits as Howard Payne consistently pressured Dallas pitching.

Dallas tied the game in the fourth inning with three runs, but the Yellow Jackets responded in the sixth when Prestage delivered the go-ahead extra-base hit. From there, Wilson shut the door, working a complete seven innings while allowing three runs on eight hits and striking out five to secure the win.

Game 3 - Sunday 

Howard Payne closed the series in loud fashion Sunday afternoon in Irving, piling up runs and hits to defeat the University of Dallas 15 to 6 and take the rubber match after Saturday's doubleheader split.

Howard Payne wasted little time creating fireworks. In the second inning, Aj Tapia, Eli McNair, and Jace Mackenzie all reached base to load the lineup with opportunity. Nader Gulamhusein stepped in and launched a grand slam that put Howard Payne ahead 4 to 0 and immediately tilted the afternoon toward the visitors.

The Yellow Jackets kept the pressure on in the third inning when Braden Franks delivered a solo home run to extend the lead. Later in the inning, Jace Mackenzie added an RBI single that pushed the advantage to 6 to 0.

The University of Dallas responded in the bottom half of the third with a five run rally that trimmed the lead to 6 to 5. Howard Payne answered immediately in the fifth inning. Braden Franks singled and later scored when Hunter Pope ripped an RBI double to give the Yellow Jackets the lead again. Moments later, Jace Mackenzie drew a bases loaded walk that brought home another run and made it 8 to 6.

The game stayed tight until the seventh inning when Howard Payne delivered the knockout punch. The Yellow Jackets erupted for seven runs in the frame, highlighted by RBI hits from Landon Prestage, Braden Franks, Hunter Pope, and Aj Tapia. The outburst turned a close game into a comfortable 15 to 6 advantage.

Offensively, Howard Payne produced 17 hits in the victory. Braden Franks led the way with three hits and three runs scored, while Hunter Pope also collected three hits including two doubles and drove in two runs. Aj Tapia finished with three hits and two runs scored, and Jace Mackenzie added three hits with two RBIs and two runs scored. Nader Gulamhusein delivered the biggest swing of the day with his second inning grand slam and finished with four RBIs.

On the mound, Ty Phillips started the game and worked three innings. Trevor Rangel took over in relief and delivered four strong innings, allowing just one run while striking out two to secure the win for Howard Payne.

"We responded the way good teams do. Dallas made a push and tied it up today, but our guys didn't panic. We kept putting together quality at bats, kept attacking on the mound, and eventually the offense broke it open. I'm proud of the way this group competed all weekend," said Coach Lynn. 

With the win, Howard Payne claimed the series finale and built momentum after splitting Saturday's doubleheader.