McPHERSON, Kan. — Southwestern will look to build momentum in KCAC play this weekend as it travels to face McPherson College in a three-game series at T.C. Construction Field at Bulldog Park.
The series opens Saturday with a doubleheader scheduled for 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., followed by a single game Sunday at 1 p.m.
Southwestern (11-20, 8-14 KCAC) enters the weekend led by one of the more productive bats in the conference in Raisean Dorsey, who is hitting .384 with 43 hits, 10 doubles, and five home runs. Dorsey has driven in 30 runs and carries a .607 slugging percentage and .451 on-base percentage.
Sam Benz has also been a consistent contributor, batting .366 with 41 hits and 20 stolen bases, while Koda Larsen adds a .295 average with 31 hits and 28 runs scored.
As a team, the Moundbuilders are hitting .275 with 263 hits and 191 runs scored through 31 games.
On the mound, Jaden Hensley has been a steady presence, posting a 3.64 ERA with 35 strikeouts over 42 innings, while Jaxon Burns owns a 5.85 ERA and has limited opponents to a .203 batting average.
McPherson (13-17, 10-9 KCAC) presents a potent offensive challenge, entering the series with a .320 team batting average and 212 runs scored.
The Bulldogs are paced by Myles Vazquez, who is hitting .419 with six home runs and 25 RBIs, along with a .709 slugging percentage. Troy Stukenberg (.380, 29 RBIs) and Jaylon Woodley (.360, 28 runs, 19 stolen bases) add depth to a lineup that features six regulars hitting above .320.
McPherson has also been aggressive on the basepaths, stealing 54 bases in 72 attempts this season.
On the pitching side, Daniel Norris (5.14 ERA, 42 strikeouts in 35 innings) and Kadin Gehring (5.35 ERA, 41 strikeouts) headline the Bulldogs' rotation, while the staff has combined for 234 strikeouts in 201 innings.
Despite the offensive production, McPherson has posted an 8.37 team ERA, while opponents are hitting .306 against its pitching staff, offering opportunities for Southwestern's lineup.
Southwestern will look to capitalize on those opportunities while containing one of the conference's most productive offenses as the Moundbuilders aim to climb the KCAC standings in the three-game set.
