Sterling, Kan. – In a continuation of the offensive showcases within the KCAC and NAIA this season, the Friends University Falcons topped the 20-run mark for the second straight game and scored eight runs to rally for a 24-19 victory at the Sterling College Warriors in the opening game of a three-game series today (Mar. 28) in Sterling, Kan.

Trailing 19-16 heading to the ninth, Miles Hartman singled in Spencer Davidson and Niquan Benjamin hit an RBI double to plate Nijai Armbrister to make it a one-run game. The power took over from there, with Bernie Socarras hitting a three-run homer to put the Falcons on top for the first time. Tyler Godfrey then smacked a three-run blast of his own for his second homer of the game to push the lead to five runs.  

In a game where outs were hard to come by, Keagan Alejo struck out one in holding the Warriors scoreless for just the second inning of the game to earn the victory for Friends.

The Falcons trailed 6-2 until a two-run double by Socarras ignited a four-run fourth inning to tie the score.

But the Warriors answered with six runs in the bottom of the fourth to regain control and wouldn't cede the lead until the Falcons' ninth inning explosion.

Socarras led the charge offensively for Friends (18-14, 12-9 KCAC), driving in a career-high six runs along with a career-best five hits in seven at-bats. Armbrister and Hartman also produced a huge stat line with four hits, five runs and three RBIs apiece. Benjamin had three hits, three runs and three RBIs from the leadoff spot, while Carlos Rodriguez also had three RBIs and Zeke Henson drove in two runs. Davidson also crossed the plate three times for the Falcons.

The Warriors got four RBIs from both Luis Morales and Andrew Dutro.

The Falcons and Warriors will play a doubleheader starting at noon tomorrow (Mar. 29) to wrap up the series.