WINFIELD, Kan. — Oklahoma Wesleyan used a big third inning and steady production at the plate to defeat Southwestern 11-5 in a midweek KCAC matchup Tuesday at Broadway Sports Complex.

The Eagles (20-12, 13-8 KCAC) broke open a close game with a four-run third inning and never relinquished the lead, finishing with 11 runs on 11 hits while holding Southwestern (11-20, 8-14 KCAC) to 7 hits and 2 RBI's. 

After falling behind 1-0, the Moundbuilders answered in the opening frame as Ayden Markovich and Cole Van Stone each drove in runs to give Southwestern a 2-1 advantage.

Oklahoma Wesleyan responded quickly. The Eagles plated four runs in the third inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and defensive miscues to take a 5-2 lead. They added another run in the fourth and extended the margin with a three-run seventh inning to pull away.

After a five-inning hitting drought, Southwestern made its final push in the seventh, scoring three runs to cut the deficit to 9-5. Gabe Rodriguez and Nathan Perez scored on a throwing error before Braden Roberts came home later in the inning, but the rally would be the Moundbuilders' last.

Roberts led Southwestern with two hits, while Raisean Dorsey also recorded a pair of hits. Southwestern employed a bullpen game, throwing eight pitchers over nine innings in the loss. Colton Jones, Jack Merrell, and Hayden Sims each held the Eagles hitless in their single-inning stints. 

Tanner Peoples (0-2) took the loss for Southwestern, allowing four runs over two innings. Oklahoma Wesleyan starter Jacob Morgan (4-0) earned the win, tossing six innings and allowing three runs, none earned.

The Moundbuilders return to action this weekend for a three-game KCAC series against McPherson College in McPherson, Kan. Southwestern will play a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 12 p.m., followed by a single game Sunday at 1 p.m.