Yellowjackets Split Opening Series With Friends University to Kickoff 2026 Season

Wichita, KS — The Graceland University Yellowjackets baseball team opened the 2026 season with a four-game nonconference series against Friends University (Kan.) on Feb. 6–7 at Westside Field in Wichita, Kan., splitting the series and moving to 2-2 overall and 0-0 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. Friends concluded the opening weekend at 4-2 overall and 0-0 in conference action. The series featured aggressive offensive approaches, multiple extra-base hits and extensive pitching usage as both programs evaluated early-season depth.

Game 1: Graceland 19, Friends 7
Graceland set the tone in the series opener with a 10-run first inning, sending 15 batters to the plate and capitalizing on early command issues. Ambrus Sharky opened the scoring after doubling and later scoring on an RBI single by Beno Olmeda, who finished the game with four RBIs. Kellen Scruggs delivered the decisive blow with a grand slam to left-center, accounting for five RBIs in the contest. Rafael Calcano added a three-run home run to right-center and finished with four RBIs, while Juan Guzman chipped in a bases-clearing double.

On the mound, Graceland used three pitchers, with Ryan Spencer earning the win after providing 3.1 innings of relief, allowing just one earned run while striking out three. The Yellowjackets totaled 16 hits and drew nine walks, applying consistent pressure throughout the lineup.

Game 2: Graceland 10, Friends 3
The Yellowjackets followed with another complete offensive performance in the second game of the doubleheader, scoring in five different innings and limiting Friends to one run through the first four frames. Kellen Scruggs continued his strong weekend with a two-run home run, while Carson Chiprez delivered a two-RBI triple to extend the lead. Drake Matney and Rafael Calcano each drove in two runs, and Graceland finished the game with 10 hits and five walks.

Right-hander Johanno Perdomo picked up the win in his season debut, working 4.2 innings and allowing one earned run. Rafael Severino and Luke Frost combined to close out the final 2.1 innings, limiting Friends to three total runs and stranding seven runners.

Game 3: Friends 10, Graceland 5
Friends responded Saturday morning by breaking open a tight game with a six-run sixth inning, using consecutive RBI singles and productive outs to flip the momentum. Graceland collected 10 hits, highlighted by a three-hit performance from Ambrus Sharky and RBIs from Beno Olmeda, Rafael Calcano and Jayden Gilbert, but could not slow the Falcons' middle-inning surge.

Graceland starter Jacob Abernathey worked five innings before the bullpen was called upon, as the Yellowjackets used five pitchers while managing matchups. Friends closed the final three innings without allowing a run to secure the win.

Game 4: Friends 14, Graceland 3
The series finale saw Friends take control with a 12-run fifth inning, turning extended at-bats into extra-base damage and clearing the bases multiple times. Graceland struck first on a solo home run by Rafael Calcano in the second inning and added two more runs in the third, including an RBI double by Beno Olmeda and a productive groundout from Kellen Scruggs.

Graceland cycled through five pitchers in the contest, continuing early-season evaluation of the staff, while Friends' bullpen limited the Yellowjackets to six hits over the final four innings.

Head coach Brad Payne emphasized growth and execution following the opening weekend. "I thought our at-bats were pretty consistent all weekend," head coach Brad Payne said. "We did a good job of putting pressure on them offensively and finding ways to score. On the mound, though, we have to be better. You can't walk as many hitters as we did Saturday and expect positive outcomes. As we get closer to full strength next weekend, that should give us some added depth on the pitching side, and that will be important moving forward."

Through four games, Graceland averaged 9.25 runs per game, recorded multiple home runs and extra-base hits, and utilized lineup versatility with pinch runners and situational substitutions. Defensively, the Yellowjackets continue to emphasize efficient outs, clean exchanges and first-pitch strikes as preparation continues for the upcoming stretch of nonconference play.

Graceland now travels to Joplin, Mo., seeking warmer weather and additional game reps against Midwest NAIA competition. The Yellowjackets will open the weekend Friday, Feb. 13, at 1:30 p.m. CST vs. Mission (Mo.) at Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin, Mo., continuing early-season development before conference play begins.

For more information on Graceland baseball and all Graceland University athletics, visit GUjackets.com.