The Dallas Titans built a commanding early lead and withstood a late rally to defeat the Texas Rumble Ponies 8-6 on Sunday.
Dallas opened the scoring in the first inning, capitalizing on a Rumble Ponies error before Bernie Garces added an RBI on a fielder's choice to give the Titans a 2-0 lead. The game turned in the third inning when Dallas erupted for six runs. Korey Gillespie drew a bases-loaded walk, Steely Gill delivered a two-run single, Aaron Standley added an RBI groundout, and Stephen Patterson capped the rally with a two-run single to put the Titans firmly in control.
The Rumble Ponies battled back over the final innings, trimming what had been an eight-run deficit to just two, but Dallas held on to secure the win.
Brenden Monroe earned the victory after allowing four runs—two earned—over 4⅓ innings while striking out six. Patterson closed out the game to record the save after contributing two hits and two RBIs at the plate.
Patterson finished 2-for-3 to lead the Titans offensively, while Gill and Standley also drove in two runs apiece. Dallas remained disciplined throughout the game, drawing nine walks, with Gillespie reaching base three times via walk. The Titans also turned two double plays and played solid defense behind their pitching staff.
Texas Rumble Ponies collected 11 hits, led by Nolen Snell's 3-for-4 performance. C. Holmes added two hits, while Chris Collum, Jake Marrow, Jackson Poole, and T. Bidwell each drove in a run, but the late rally fell just short as the Titans secured the season-opening victory.