WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons began a three-game series against the University of Saint Mary Spires with a victory in the most dramatic way possible, getting a walk-off two-run homer by Carlos Rodriguez for a 7-5 win today (Apr. 11) at Westside Athletic Field.
The Falcons remain fourth in the KCAC at 18-11 and are now 24-16 overall on the season.
Rodriguez's 10th homer of the season hit the top of the right center field wall and bounced over with one on and one out to send the Falcons into walkoff victory euphoria.
The game was tied going into the bottom of the ninth after the Spires capitalized on an error to score and make it 5-5.
Trailing 3-0, Rodriguez also drove home the Falcons' first run of the game to ignite a three-run fourth to tie the score. Tyler Godfrey also drew a bases-loaded walk and Spencer Davidson singled home Rodriguez to pull Friends even.
After an RBI single by Bryce Turner put the Spires back in front, the Falcons answered right back with a groundout by Zeke Henson that scored Miles Hartman before an RBI double from Isaias Urriola put Friends on top.
"Bit of a struggle today, the guys stuck with it and kept grinding," said Friends baseball head coach Adam Neisius. "Big swing by Carlos, hopefully we can ride some momentum into tomorrow."
Rodriguez and Urriola each had three hits and Bernie Socarras went 2-of-4. Henson managed to cross the plate three times for the Falcons.
Turner had two hits and drove in a pair of runs for the Spires (10-29, 6-20 KCAC).
Jaime Baldwin started and went six innings, allowing three runs and striking out three batters for the Falcons. Vincent Vigil and Chance Baker each followed with an inning and Keagan Alejo pitched the ninth to be credited with the win.
The Falcons and Spires will wrap up the series with a doubleheader tomorrow (Apr. 12) starting at noon. Senior Day festivities will also take place prior to the opening game.
