WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College rallied in the middle innings but could not overcome an early deficit, falling 7-5 to Southwestern Christian University in a nonconference matchup Tuesday at Broadway Sports Complex.
Southwestern Christian (18-21) built a 4-0 lead through four innings and extended it in the sixth, capitalizing on defensive miscues to push the margin to 7-3.
The Moundbuilders (11-24) answered with a three-run fourth inning, highlighted by RBI hits from Griffin Whitehill, Daniel Larson and Gustavo Oropeza, to cut into the deficit.
Southwestern finished with 11 hits, led by Brice Nittler's three-hit performance and multi-hit efforts from Cole Van Stone and Oropeza. Oropeza drove in two runs, while Daniel Larson added an RBI double as part of the Moundbuilders' push.
The Eagles added three runs in the sixth inning, taking advantage of errors to create separation. Southwestern responded with a run in the sixth and another in the eighth, but stranded nine runners and were unable to complete the comeback.
Garrett Richards (0-2) took the loss for Southwestern, allowing six runs, only two earned, over four innings of work. Jackson Robertson (2-0) earned the win for Southwestern Christian, while Jake Reed recorded the save.
Southwestern will return to action Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, for a three-game home series against the University of Saint Mary. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 2 p.m., followed by a doubleheader Saturday beginning at noon.
