Concordia opens season with doubleheader split
The Bulldogs of Concordia University (Neb.) traveled to Lindsborg, Kan. to open their season, splitting a doubleheader with the Bethany Swedes. Concordia dropped the opening game, 2-1, but rallied for a 9-8 win in the nightcap. The Bulldogs are now 1-1 on the season, while the Swedes moved to 3-1 on the season.
The first game of the year featured a pitcher's duel between Concordi junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) and Bethany's Morgan Heiman.
Despite Stirtz's strong effort, Bethany pushed across single runs in both the second and fourth innings on a combined two hits, one walk and an error to build a 2-0 lead.
Heiman, meanwhile, scattered six hits and a walk over 4.2 innings to earn the victory (1-0). Stirtz was the tough luck loser (0-1) surrendering two runs (one earned) on five hits, one walk and two strikeouts in six innings.
The second game featured significantly more offense as seven Bulldogs delivered at least one RBI to pace Concordia to a 9-8 win. Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) led the offensive barrage going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.
The two teams battled back and forth, with Concordia notching a single run in the first, three runs in the third and two more in both the fourth and sixth innings. Bethany notched single runs in the second and third frame and put up three runs in both the fifth and the sixth inning to send the game to seventh tied at 8-8.
In that final frame, Concordia struck the decisive blow as junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) reached on an error to get things going. Two batters later, Finley raced home from second on a single into left field by senior Tate Bedwell (Colorado Springs, Colo.) to give Concordia a 9-8 advantage.
Senior Josh Anderson (Westminster, Colo.) tossed a perfect seventh to preserve the game, earning his first save of the season. Sophomore hurler Heath Benker (Florence, Colo.) pitched out of a jam in the sixth inning earn the victory (1-0). Bethany's Trenton Terrill (0-1) took the loss, allowing one run on two hits in one inning of work.
The Bulldogs play another double header tomorrow Sunday, Feb. 19th. They will play once again against the Bethany Swedes at noon and 2pm.
19 February 2012
18 February 2012
