WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College baseball team returns to conference play this week as the Moundbuilders prepare to face Evangel Friday and Saturday, March 6th and 7th, in a matchup featuring two teams looking to build momentum early in the KCAC season.
Southwestern enters the contest with a 5-14 overall record and a 2-8 mark in conference play. The Moundbuilders have shown flashes offensively this season, totaling 96 runs and 136 hits through 18 games while batting .257 as a team.
Leading the offense is Raisean Dorsey, who has been one of the most productive hitters in the lineup. Dorsey is batting .431 with 28 hits, three home runs, and 19 RBIs through 18 games. Nathan Perez has also provided a spark offensively, hitting .412 in limited action, while Sam Benz (.318), Brice Nittler (.325), and Gabe Rodriguez (.310) have all contributed consistent production at the plate.
Speed has also played a role for Southwestern this season, with Benz leading the team with 12 stolen bases on 13 attempts.
On the mound, Jaden Hensley has been a key piece of the pitching staff, posting a 4.50 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 22 innings across five appearances. Colton Jones has been strong out of the bullpen, striking out 10 batters while allowing just two runs over 8.1 innings of work.
Evangel enters the matchup with an 8-13 overall record and a 3-7 conference mark. The Valor offense has been productive, batting .280 as a team with 16 home runs and 175 hits through 21 games.
Several Evangel hitters have been difficult outs this season, including Evan Jno-Baptiste, who leads the team with a .378 average, while Quentin Edwards (.373) and Justus Cherrico (.356) have also provided power in the middle of the lineup.
On the mound, Evangel has relied on Isaac Daley and Riley Fuller as primary starters. Daley carries a 2.18 ERA with 17 strikeouts in just over 20 innings pitched, while Fuller has logged nearly 29 innings this season.
The matchup will feature two offenses capable of putting runs on the board, making pitching and defensive execution key factors in determining the outcome of the series.
Southwestern will look to build momentum in conference play as the Moundbuilders continue their KCAC schedule. Game one will start at 2:00 PM on Friday, and games two and three will be played on Saturday with the doubleheader beginning at 12:00 PM at Broadway Sports Complex.
