Springfield, Mo. - Falcons baseball took a trip to Missouri for a doubleheader to end their regular season. Friends saw a late lead slip away in an 8-7 loss to Evangel University on Thursday afternoon (Apr. 23) in game one. A high-scoring affair got away from the Falcons as they fell 17-9 to Evangel in game two of the doubleheader.

Game 1

Friends jumped out early, scoring in the first inning before adding two more in the third on an RBI walk by Elijah Morales and a sacrifice fly from Hudson Sharp to take a 3-1 lead. The Falcons continued to build momentum with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings, stretching the advantage to 5-1. 

Evangel responded in the fifth inning with a decisive swing, using a grand slam to even the game at 5-5. The Valor took their first lead an inning later, but Friends answered in the seventh as Drew Lykes delivered a sacrifice fly and Holden Sabor scored on a wild pitch to reclaim a 7-6 edge. 

The Falcons' lead proved short-lived, as Evangel plated two runs in the bottom of the eighth to secure the 8-7 victory. 

Offensively, Friends totaled 14 hits, led by Miles Hartman's three-hit performance. Lykes added two hits and two RBIs, while Morales also recorded a multi-hit game with an RBI. 

Seth Wright got the start, tossing five innings and allowing five runs while striking out one. The bullpen combination of Hoyt Roff and Preston Lewis worked in relief, with Lewis taking the loss.

Game 2

Friends came out swinging in game two, plating four runs in the first inning behind a two-run home run from Bernie Socarras and RBI singles from Drew Lykes and Elijah Joseph. The Falcons added another run in the second and two more in the third to build a 7-3 lead early.

Evangel answered with a massive third inning, erupting for eight runs to flip the game and take an 11-7 advantage. The Valor continued to apply pressure with additional runs in the fourth and fifth innings, extending the lead and putting the game out of reach.

Friends continued to compete offensively, finishing with 17 hits in game two. Socarras led the way with three hits and three RBIs, while Drew Lykes added three hits and two RBIs. Xavier Champ also contributed three hits and drove in two runs.

Despite the offensive output, the Falcons were unable to overcome Evangel's explosive middle innings, dropping the contest 17-9. The Falcons (28-21) KCAC (22-13) will complete their regular season for an afternoon game on Friday (Apr. 24) against Evangel. First pitch will be at noon. Friends University is currently in 4th place in the KCAC standings sitting one game behind OKWU for 3rd.