WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern will look to build momentum in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference play when the Moundbuilders host Friends University on Tuesday at the Broadway Sports Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Southwestern enters the matchup with an 8-18 overall record and a 5-12 mark in KCAC play. The Moundbuilders are coming off a conference road series at Bethany in which they split a pair of games, including a 6-2 victory in the finale.
Offensively, Southwestern has produced a .277 team batting average with 219 hits and 154 runs scored this season. The lineup has been led by several key contributors at the plate, including Raisean Dorsey, who is hitting .389 with 37 hits, 10 doubles, three home runs, and a team-high 26 RBIs through 26 games.
Sam Benz has also been a consistent presence in the middle of the order, batting .337 with 31 hits and 16 stolen bases, while Koda Larsen is hitting .325 with 27 hits and 23 runs scored. Brice Nittler (.328, 15 RBIs) and Gabe Rodriguez (.370 average in limited appearances) have also provided production for the Moundbuilders' offense.
On the mound, Southwestern has relied heavily on Jaden Hensley, who owns a 3-1 record and a 3.75 ERA in seven appearances. The right-hander has logged 36 innings and struck out 31 batters, both team highs among starters. Peyton Ramsey (1-3, 8.25 ERA) and Colton Jones (5.40 ERA) have also seen time in the rotation for the Builders.
Friends enters the contest at 13-14 overall and 8-6 in conference play. The Falcons have been productive offensively, hitting .277 as a team with 222 hits and 165 runs scored through 27 games.
Bernie Socarras has paced the Friends lineup with a .385 batting average, 35 hits and 26 RBIs. Noah Gagol is batting .346 with three doubles and a home run, while Miles Hartman has added four home runs and 23 RBIs while hitting .300. Elijah Morales has also contributed with a .316 average and three home runs.
On the mound, Raleigh Clark has been a primary starter for the Falcons, posting a 2-2 record with a 4.98 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 34.1 innings pitched. Brett Black (2-1, 4.58 ERA) and Colby Turner (4.70 ERA, 21 strikeouts) have also logged significant innings for Friends this season.
The Falcons claimed the first meeting between the two teams earlier this season, defeating Southwestern 8-6 on March 11th in Wichita.
Tuesday's matchup provides an opportunity for the Moundbuilders to even the season series while continuing to climb the KCAC standings. Southwestern will look for its offense to stay aggressive at the plate and for its pitching staff to limit the Falcons' run production in the conference showdown.
