Wichita, Kan. - The Friends University Falcons hosted Bethany for a doubleheader Thursday afternoon (Apr. 9). In both games the Falcons rolled past Bethany, mercy ruling them in game one 17-3 and winning 11-4 in game two. Both games featured offensive explosions in the 4th inning and the Falcons continue to stay on fire with their offense.
Game 1
Bethany struck first with a run in the opening frame with a ground out putting them up 1-0. Stephen Kent of the Swedes would hit a solo shot in the 2nd inning to put them up two runs.
In the bottom of the 3rd with runners on the corners, Bernie Socarras would catch the Bethany catcher off guard and steal home with some brilliant base running to cut the Bethany lead down to one.
The Falcons broke the game open with a massive 4th surge, stringing together hits and taking advantage of free passes to build a commanding lead. Friends would score 11 runs in the bottom of the 4th which ultimately took the life out of Bethany in game one. This 4th inning rally was highlighted by a Socarras bases clearing double and a Colton Flores 2-RBI double, Falcons would go up 12-3 after four innings. Friends would come up clutch with their two out hitting as they would score 7 of the 11 runs in the 4th with 2 outs.
Friends would go up 10 runs in the 6th with a double steal that would score Camden Miller.
Multiple Falcons contributed at the plate, as the lineup stayed aggressive and productive from top to bottom. Key hits with runners in scoring position helped Friends separate early and continue to add on late.
On the mound Brett Black would start for Friends, who settled in after the early run, limiting Bethany to just three runs while controlling the pace of the game. Black would pitch a complete game and go 7.0 IP, allowing 3 ER, and striking out 9 batters.
With the win, the Falcons showcased their offensive depth and ability to capitalize on opportunities, continuing strong play in conference competition.
Game 2
In game two the Falcons would dominate the Swedes from start to finish. Elijah Morales would line an RBI single to score Miles Hartman in the 1st inning. The Falcons added another run in the third on a sacrifice fly from Colton Flores to extend the advantage.
The game broke wide open in the fourth inning just like game one, when Friends erupted for nine runs on seven hits. The Falcons capitalized on a Bethany error and strung together a barrage of extra-base hits, including RBI doubles from Morales, Flores, and Drew Lykes. Socarras and Miller also drove in runs during the inning as Friends built an 11-0 lead.
Bethany responded late with four runs across the final innings, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome. The Falcons' pitching staff controlled the game through the first five innings, holding the Swedes scoreless while allowing minimal traffic on the bases.
Cameron Chase would get the start in game two for Friends. Chase went five shutout innings while only giving up 3 hits, and striking out 3.
With the sweep of the doubleheader, Friends will take the series over Bethany. The Falcons win streak is now 8 and they sit 6 games over .500. Friends baseball (24-18) KCAC (18-10) will look for the series sweep going against Bethany on Saturday (Apr. 11) at noon.
