WICHITA, Kan. — Southwestern's comeback attempt came up short Wednesday as Friends used a five-run fourth inning to defeat the Moundbuilders 8-6 in a KCAC baseball matchup in Wichita.

Southwestern (6-17) opened the scoring with two runs in the first inning. Brice Nittler brought home Koda Larsen with a sacrifice fly, and Gabe Rodriguez added another sacrifice fly to score Sam Benz for a 2-0 lead.

The Moundbuilders extended the advantage in the second when Braden Roberts hit a solo home run to make it 3-1. After Friends cut into the lead, Cole Van Stone added a solo homer in the fourth inning to push Southwestern ahead 4-2.

Friends (12-12) answered in the bottom half of the fourth with five runs to take control. Miles Hartman tied the game with a two-run single before Elijah Morales followed with a two-run single that gave the Falcons the lead. Bernie Socarras added a sacrifice fly later in the inning to make it 7-4.

Southwestern rallied in the eighth inning. Preston Carrillo led off with a solo home run, and later Raisean Dorsey delivered an RBI double that scored Larsen and cut the deficit to one run.

Friends answered in the bottom of the inning when Socarras singled to right field to drive in Xavier Champ and extend the lead to 8-6.

Carrillo led Southwestern at the plate, going 3 for 4 with a home run. Larsen finished with two hits and two runs scored, while Dorsey added two hits and an RBI. Roberts, Van Stone, and Carrillo each homered for the Moundbuilders.

Southwestern will be back in action on Friday afternoon as the Builders travel to Lindsborg to take on the Bethany Swedes in a three-game series. The first pitch is set for 2 p.m. at Phillip Anderson Field.