WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern used timely hitting and a strong weekend at the plate to take three straight games over Sterling College, highlighted by a late-inning comeback Friday and a walk-off win on Alumni Day at Broadway Sports Complex.
The Moundbuilders opened the series Friday with a 12-9 victory, rallying from an early seven-run deficit. Sterling struck for seven runs in the first two innings, but Southwestern chipped away before erupting for six runs in the seventh inning to take control.
Raisean Dorsey continued his offensive firepower, sparking the Moundbuilder offense with a 2-run homer in the bottom of the third inning. A huge seventh inning allowed Southwestern to take. 10-9 lead, highlighted by Nathan Perez's 2 RBI single up the middle. Preston Carrillo added a late two-run homer in the 8th inning to slam the door before Tristan Wright was able to finish the game on the mound with a save. Southwestern finished with 15 hits and 12 RBI's in the opener.
The momentum carried into Saturday's opener, an offensive slugfest that saw Southwestern outlast Sterling 14-12. The Moundbuilders overcame another early deficit and scored seven runs over the final two innings, including four in the eighth to take the lead.
After Sterling's four-run opening inning, Ayden Markovich was able to send Raisean Dorsey home with an RBI single down the right field line. Sterling stretched it's lead to 8-2 before the Moundbuilders scored three runs in the fifth inning, powered by Ayden Markovich's hot day at the plate. The Senior from Missoula, Montana, had three hits and six RBIs, including the walk-off home run to centerfield, while Dorsey added a homer and scored five times. The ninth inning was a rollercoaster, as Braden Roberts capitalized on an error in right field, somehow turning what could've been an out into the game-tying run for the Builders, leading to the eventual Markovich walk-off. Southwestern pounded out 12 hits and capitalized on Sterling's five errors in the back-and-forth contest.
Saturday also served as Alumni Day, highlighted by the emotional retirement of the late Cody Treatch's No. 38 jersey.
In the series finale, a seven-inning contest, Southwestern leaned on pitching to secure a 3-2 win and clinch the series. Jaden Hensley delivered six strong innings, allowing two runs, while Tristan Wright closed the door for the save.
Sam Benz led the offense with three hits, and Nathan Perez drove in two runs, including the go-ahead RBIs in the sixth inning. Southwestern's staff limited Sterling to six hits in the finale.
Southwestern had 33 hits and 27 RBI's in the three-game series, showing a glimpse of what the Moundbuilder offense is capable of. With the series win, Southwestern showed resilience throughout the weekend, combining late-game offense with improved pitching to secure two victories in front of the home crowd during a meaningful Alumni Day celebration.
Southwestern returns to action Tuesday, March 24, when it hosts Oklahoma Wesleyan University at Broadway Sports Complex in Winfield, Kansas. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
