FRIENDS PUTS UP THREE IN THE NINTH, TOPS AVILA BASEBALL

WICHITA, Kan. – A 6-2 lead after six innings wasn't enough for Avila baseball as the team gave up five runs in the final three runs, losing on a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth at Friends on Friday, 7-6.

The Eagles offense got off to an early start, putting up four in the first inning.

The leadoff hitter, Tyler King, knocked a single to right to set the table for Zach Dillman. The backstop blasted a two-run shot over the right field fence.

Two batters, two runs.

Later in the inning, Will Clark and Thomas English recorded back-to-back RBI singles to cap off the four-run first.

Friends added a run in the first and third innings, while Avila added runs of their own in the fourth and sixth on Dillman and Tyler King RBI, respectively.

On the mound, Cashen Schranz threw six strong innings before getting into trouble in the sixth.

The Falcons hit back-to-back singles followed by a sac bunt and a two-RBI single to bring the score to 6-4 with two innings remaining.

Neither team scored in the eighth inning and the Eagles left a runner on base in the top of the ninth to open the window for Friends.

With one out in the ninth, Friends had two runners in scoring position that were brought in on a double to right field to tie the game.

An intentional walk gave Avila's defense a force at any base, but Friends would win on a walk-off single up the middle to give the Falcons a 7-6 win.

The two teams will be back in action on Saturday for a doubleheader from Wichita beginning at 12 PM.