KENT'S WALKOFF HOMER GIVES COACH ORTIZ 100TH WIN

Lindsborg, Kan. – The Bethany College Swedes hosted the Friends University Falcons in what was an extended three-game series that last over the span of eight days. Originally, the Swedes and Falcons were supposed to play their series from March 14 – 15, but due to Game 2 lasting for what felt like a lifetime, Game 3 was suspended and played on March 23.

GAME 1: SWEDES 0, FALCONS 12 (7-INNINGS)

The Swedes could not get anything going on offense as they would only muster three hits throughout the contest. Rafael Perez, Fabian Dumey, and Braxten Plemons teamed up in the fourth inning for an uncommon 1-2-3 double play. Plemons had a solid outing as a relief pitcher lasting 3.0 innings allowing just one hit while striking out one.

GAME 2: SWEDES 15, FALCONS 25 (8-INNINGS)

Game 2 lasted almost four hours on the nose. Plenty of offense was showcased throughout the contest. Jonathan Crist was just a homerun shy of hitting for the cycle. Fernando Bones tallied the most RBIs with three. Feilding was a major issue for the Swedes as they totaled seven errors.

GAME 3: SWEDES 10, FALCONS 9 (9-INNINGS)

Most of the action of Game 3 happened on March 15, but the best part, well, at least for the Swedes, was had on March 23. In the third inning, after the Swedes were already down 5-0, William Sanchez would hit a triple to clear the bases. Jose Morales would then hit a single to score Sanchez cutting the deficit down to 4-5. The Falcons would answer back in the fourth with two more runs, but, in the sixth inning, the Swedes would explode for five runs as Sanchez would hit a three-run bomb to take a 9-7 lead.

With just three more outs, the Swedes would have taken Game 3, but the Falcons would score two with two outs to tie it up and push it to extra innings. Neither team would score in the eighth inning before play would get suspended.

Fast forward to Sunday, March 23, the Swedes made a change on the mound to begin play with Aiden Troup dealing for the Swedes. Troup would get out of the inning unscathed. In the bottom half of the inning, Head Coach Olan Ortiz would sub in Stephen Kent to pinch hit for Ryan Smith and it turned out to be the right move. Kent would send one off the light pole in center field for a walk-off homerun giving the Swedes their tenth win of the season, but also Coach Ortiz's 100^th win of his career as a head coach.

UP NEXT…

The Swedes will get one day of rest before heading back to Leavenworth, Kan. to take on the University of Saint Mary Spires in a winner-take-all Game 3. Both squads won on their opposing fields to make the season series record 1-1. Play is set to begin at 3:00 PM on March 25.