WICHITA, Kan. — Sterling fell to Friends with a final score of 12–3 on Tuesday, April 14. The Falcons capitalized on a six-run seventh inning to secure the victory.
Sterling started strong with Matthew Garcia singling to second base, followed by Joshua Garcia doubling to left field, driving in M. Garcia for the first run. However, the Falcons responded with four runs in their half, including a three-run homer by Hudson Sharp. Friends led 4–1 after the first inning.
In the second inning, the Warriors added two runners to the basepath with a single and a walk, but a double play ended the threat without a run. The Falcons added to their lead with a sacrifice fly from Bernie Socarras, making it 5–1.
Sterling added another run in the fourth inning when Nehemiah House scored on a sacrifice fly by Mateo Castro, narrowing the deficit to 5–2. However, the Falcons increased their lead in the fifth inning to 6–2 after Sharp drove in a run with a single following an error.
In the seventh, M. Garcia tripled and scored on a wild pitch to bring Sterling back to 6–3. However, Friends answered with six runs in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a home run from Elijah Morales and a series of singles, extending their lead to 12–3.
The game ended without further scoring, and the Falcons secured a 12–3 victory over Sterling.
Jack Trent started the game for Sterling, pitching 2 innings and allowing five earned runs on three hits, including a home run, while striking out two batters and issuing two walks. Jace Phillips relieved Trent, pitching 2 2/3 innings, giving up one run on one hit, and striking out one. Aaron Elsasser followed with 1 2/3 innings, surrendering three earned runs on five hits, including a home run, while striking out two. Peyton Fletcher pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing three earned runs on four hits. Landon Snyder closed out the game with 1 inning of work, giving up one hit with no runs allowed.
Matthew Garcia contributed significantly by scoring two runs and hitting a triple. Joshua Garcia drove in one run with a double, adding to the team’s offensive efforts. Nehemiah House reached base twice, scoring one run and drawing a walk. Jackson Harding posted two hits and thwarted a base-stealing attempt with one caught stealing.
Sterling (19-24, 13-26) will look to bounce back from the loss in a weekend series against Tabor (20-23, 16-15) this Friday and Saturday, April 17-18 in Hillsboro, Kan. The nine-inning game on Friday will start at 3 p.m. while the doubleheader to be played on Saturday will start at noon.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
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