The Concordia University baseball team jumped out to a quick four run lead on Metro State (Colo.) before the Road Runners would score seven un answered runs, en route to a 11-5 game one victory over the Bulldogs Saturday afternoon at Auraria Field in Denver, Colo. Junior starting pitcher Sean Spaulding had a rough, first career outing for the Bulldogs as he was tagged with loss. Spaulding (0-1) was taxed for seven runs (six earned) in two complete innings of work on nine hits. Sophomore lefty reliever Brad Ramp was also roughed by the Metro State hitters giving up four runs on four hits in two and one thirds inning of relief.
The heart of the Bulldog offense found their grooves during the ball game as the Concordia two, three, four and five hitters combined for six of the Bulldogs eight hits. Junior first basemen Jack Holmberg led the attack, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Senior right fielder BJ Juelfs added two hits, a run scored, an RBI, and a stolen base. The remaining Concordia starters were a combined 1-for-9 in the game.
In game two the Bulldogs young pitching staff was exposed as starter sophomore John Couch picked up the loss in his first start of the season. Couch surrendered 10 runs (six earned) on 12 hits while striking out five. The Bulldogs used five pitchers in the game with Couch being the only non-freshman to pitch. The Bulldogs tied the ball game at 3-3 in the top of the fourth before the Road Runners exploded for seven runs on six hits in the bottom of the fourth.
Offensively the Bulldog bats were much better in the second game, with seven runs on 13 hits. Holmberg against led the Concordia offense going 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored. Junior second baseman Casey Rodriguez had a solid day at the plate, 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI.
The next scheduled action for the Bulldogs is Thursday, February 28 when Concordia travels to York, Neb. to take on the York College panthers in a double header beginning at 1 pm.
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score