Marshall, TX — The Ecclesia College Royals wrapped up a competitive four-game road series against Wiley University with strong performances at the plate, quality pitching efforts, and clear signs of growth as the 2026 season continues.
After opening the series with a setback, the Royals responded with determination, capturing two key victories and competing hard throughout the weekend.
Game 1: Royals Gain Experience in Series Opener
Ecclesia dropped the opener 13–5, but showed early offensive promise against a strong Wiley pitching staff. Gustavo Soto, CJ Price, and Josh Hinds each delivered important hits, while the Royals continued to battle through seven innings. Several young pitchers gained valuable experience that helped set the tone for the remainder of the series.
Game 2: Offensive Breakout Fuels 16–4 Victory
The Royals bounced back in dominant fashion in Game 2 with a 16–4 win. Ecclesia's lineup produced consistent pressure from the first inning on, highlighted by home runs from CJ Price, Gustavo Soto, and Gabe Reed who went deep twice. Diego Canuelas and Ike Freeman added extra-base hits as the Royals collected 14 hits and scored in six different innings. Josh Hinds earned the win on the mound with a steady performance.
Game 3: Pitching and Defense Lead to Game 3 Win
Strong pitching and efficient offense powered Ecclesia to a 7–1 victory in Game 3. Drew Elmore delivered a quality start, limiting Wiley to one run over six innings. Soto, Reed, and Price continued their productive weekends with timely hits, while the Royals played clean defense and controlled the tempo throughout the contest.
Game 4: Royals Compete to the Finish
Wiley took the finale, but the Royals continued to show fight and competitiveness. Gabe Reed recorded multiple hits, and Chayse Dutile contributed key RBIs as the team continued to battle.
Series Takeaways
The weekend highlighted Ecclesia's growing offensive depth, with multiple players producing power and run-scoring opportunities. The pitching staff showed promise through quality outings and increasing consistency, while the team's ability to respond after adversity reflected strong character and leadership.
Looking Ahead
With confidence gained from strong wins and valuable road experience, the Royals continue to build momentum early in the season. As conference play approaches, Ecclesia remains focused on improving execution, consistency, and competitive toughness. The team looks to bounce back with two wins against Philander Smith University this Tuesday.
