McPherson, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons managed to hold on for a 6-4 victory at the McPherson College Bulldogs to capture the final game of the weekend series at McPherson College. Friends moves to 26-20 overall and still sits in the fourth spot in the KCAC at 20-15 in the league.
The Falcons trailed 1-0 until Zeke Henson's team-leading 13th homerun of the season tied the game in the fourth. Henson's big swing was followed by a two-run double by Nijai Armbrister that made it 3-1.
Friends tacked on a run in the fifth and another in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Niquan Benjamin.
Leading 6-1 heading to the bottom of the ninth, the Bulldogs didn't go quietly and made it a two-run game with an RBI single from Luke Nordean and a two-run double by Dalton Thomas.
But with the tying runs in scoring position and the go-ahead run on base, Chance Baker got the final out to strand the bases loaded and preserve the Falcon victory and earn the save.
Armbrister and Tyler Godfrey each had three hits for the Falcons, with Henson and Isaias Urriola each finishing 2-of-5 with a pair of runs scored.
Matthew Benton tossed five innings and allowed one run to pick up the win. Cameron Chase then followed Benton with three shutout frames.
The Bulldogs got two hits from both Thomas and Marcus Patton.
The Falcons will next wrap up the home portion of the season Tuesday (Apr. 22) vs. (RV) USAO at Westside Athletic Field.
