WINFIELD, Kan. — A late offensive surge proved to be the difference Tuesday as Friends University pulled away in the ninth inning to defeat Southwestern, 8-3, at Broadway Sports Complex.

Southwestern struck first, manufacturing a run in the opening inning when Sam Benz came around to score on a wild pitch. The Moundbuilders held that early edge before Friends evened the score in the second on a solo home run by Colton Flores.

The Falcons took control in the fifth inning when Elijah Morales delivered a two-run home run to give Friends a 3-1 advantage. Southwestern responded in the bottom half as Benz launched a solo home run, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Southwestern was sharp defensively through the first eight innings, limiting scoring opportunities and keeping the game within reach in a tightly contested matchup.

That one-run margin held into the late innings, but Friends broke the game open in the ninth. The Falcons plated five runs on a string of timely hits, including RBI singles from Hudson Sharp, Xavier Champ, Miles Hartman and Camden Miller, turning a tight contest into an 8-2 lead.

Southwestern added a run in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI fielder's choice from Brice Nittler, but could get no closer.

Benz led the Moundbuilders offensively, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored and a walk. Southwestern managed just four hits in the contest, while Friends collected 13.

Morales paced the Falcons with three hits and two RBIs, including the go-ahead homer, while Hartman also added three hits in the win.

Jaxon Burns took the loss for Southwestern, allowing two runs over three innings in relief.

Southwestern will return to action Friday, March 20, when it opens a three-game series against Sterling College. The teams will conclude the series with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 21 beginning at 12 p.m., which will also serve as the inaugural Southwestern Baseball Alumni Day. During the event, the program will honor and retire the jersey of alumnus Cody Treatch.