WICHITA, Kan. — Southwestern will look to regroup and halt its recent slide on Wednesday as the Moundbuilders head to Wichita for a KCAC midweek matchup against Friends University. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
The Moundbuilders enter the contest at 11-27 overall and 8-20 in conference play, aiming to bounce back after dropping their last eight games. Despite the recent stretch, Southwestern has continued to produce offensively, hitting .276 as a team.
Raisean Dorsey has paced the lineup with a .400 batting average, five home runs and 34 RBIs, while Sam Benz is hitting .353 with 49 hits and 23 RBIs. Gabe Rodriguez (.343) and Brice Nittler (.324) have also been steady contributors, giving Southwestern multiple threats throughout the order.
On the mound, Jaden Hensley has emerged as a reliable option with a 4-1 record and a 3.40 ERA in nine appearances, including seven starts. Jaxon Burns has added depth out of the bullpen, going 2-0 with a 5.68 ERA across 15 appearances.
Southwestern will be challenged by a Friends squad that enters at 21-18 overall and 15-10 in KCAC play. The Falcons are hitting .295 as a team and are led by Bernie Socarras, who carries a .381 average with 51 hits and 37 RBIs. Elijah Morales adds power with a .356 average, 10 home runs, and 42 RBIs, while Miles Hartman (.309, 35 RBIs) and Holden Sabor (.317, 23 RBIs) round out a balanced lineup.
Friends' pitching staff owns a 6.83 team ERA, led by Raleigh Clark (4-2, 5.29 ERA) and supported by Brett Black (4-1, 5.55 ERA) and Cameron Chase (1-1, 5.59 ERA).
The contest marks another conference meeting between the two programs this season as Southwestern looks to shift momentum heading into the latter part of the schedule.
First pitch is set for 4 p.m. in Wichita.
