LEWISTON, Idaho- Tennessee Wesleyan turned a tight early game into a runaway with a pair of five-run innings, blanking Johnson (Tenn.) 11-0 Tuesday morning at Harris Field. The Bulldogs will return to action on Wednesday at 3 p.m. against the loser of the No. 9 IU Southeast (Ind.) and No. 5 Southeastern (Fla.) game. 

After four scoreless frames for the visitors, TWU broke through in the second inning. With runners on, catcher Thomas Teel lined a single up the middle to bring home Kolton Reynolds for a 1-0 lead.

From there, Tennessee Wesleyan’s pitching and defense kept Johnson from gaining traction. The Royals managed just four hits, two from center fielder Luke Wilson and a double by shortstop Christian Altamirano, but couldn’t string together any sustained pressure, striking out 10 times and leaving six on base.

The game swung decisively in the fifth. Tennessee Wesleyan erupted for five runs, highlighted by Josh Shelly’s three-run double down the left-field line. An RBI double by David Ballenilla and a sacrifice fly from Kolton Reynolds pushed the lead to 6-0.

Comeback hopes dwindled in the sixth as the Bulldogs piled on five more. Shelly delivered the knockout blow with a three-run homer to left, giving him six RBIs on the day. RBI singles from Reynolds and Brayan Espinoza capped the scoring at 11-0.

McGwire Taylor was impressive on the mound for Tennessee Wesleyan, tossing a complete-game shutout (7.0 IP) while allowing four hits and three walks and striking out 10. Johnson starter Tyler Barfield took the loss after giving up five runs over four innings, and their bullpen was tagged for six more across the fifth and sixth.

The Bulldogs finished with 14 hits, led by Shelly (2-for-4, 6 RBIs, HR, 2B), Ballenilla (2-for-4, 2B, RBI), and Reynolds (2-for-2, 2 RBIs, BB). 

The Royals compiled four hits, led by Luke Wilson who went 2-for-2 at the dish.