WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern will look to build momentum at home this weekend as it hosts Saint Mary in a three-game KCAC series at Broadway Sports Complex.
The series opens Friday at 2 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Senior Day festivities are scheduled before the first pitch of Game 2.
Southwestern (11-24, 8-17 KCAC) enters the weekend aiming to snap a five-game losing streak, but the Moundbuilders have shown offensive capability throughout the season, hitting .274 as a team with 297 hits and 184 RBIs. Raisean Dorsey leads the lineup with a .400 average, 48 hits, and 34 RBIs, while Sam Benz (.346, 44 hits) and Gabe Rodriguez (.343) have provided consistent production in the middle of the order.
Southwestern has also displayed speed on the bases, stealing 57 bags in 66 attempts, with Benz leading the way with 20 stolen bases.
On the mound, Jaden Hensley has been a key arm, posting a 4-1 record with a 3.64 ERA over 42 innings, while Jaxon Burns has added depth with a 2-0 mark and 15 strikeouts in 21 innings.
Saint Mary (6-26, 3-19 KCAC) has struggled overall but features several productive hitters. Lucas Barta leads the Spires with a .350 average, while Ian Maldonado is hitting .333 with three home runs and 18 RBIs. Saul Vazquez-Alvarado (.324) and Bryce Turner (.278, 14 RBIs) also contribute to a lineup batting .249 as a team.
The Spires pitching staff carries a 9.71 ERA, with Hayden Roop (2-4, 8.27 ERA) and Moises Soriano (2-2, 6.38 ERA) among the primary starters.
For Southwestern, the weekend presents an opportunity to capitalize at home, where eight of its 11 wins have come this season. With conference positioning at stake, the Moundbuilders will look to pair their offensive depth with improved pitching as they face a Saint Mary squad also seeking to gain traction late in the season.
