FAYETTE, Mo. – More than nine hours separated the first pitch and last pitch of the day on Thursday (Feb. 19) at the Show Me Showdown hosted by Central Methodist University. When the dust settled on 20 innings of action for 16th-ranked Concordia University, Nebraska Baseball, the results were a 9-8, 11-inning squeaker over Clarke University (Iowa) and a 1-0 pitcher’s duel loss at the hands of the host and 25th-ranked Eagles. Late heroics from the likes of Jack Hirchert and Jimmy Blumberg helped make the difference in the day’s opener.
Head Coach Ryan Dupic’s squad now stands at 7-3 overall. The Bulldogs have had an extended look at Clarke, a team it has now beaten four out of five times in a six-day stretch.
“It’s good to play in tight, competitive games like that,” Dupic said. “I didn’t think we really played great the first one, but I thought we did a nice job battling back. I was really proud of the guys offensively to put some good at bats together late and find a way to get the job done. Second game was a really good ballgame, kind of a national tournament type game. They have a good team, and their pitcher really threw the ball well. Our pitchers threw well, and there were some good defensive plays made on both sides. We didn’t win quite enough of those pitches. Hopefully we can learn from it and get better.”
Concordia relinquished a 4-1 lead to Clarke and stood one out away from being tripped up by the Pride. However, Hirchert lifted a game-tying homer to left with two out and nobody on in the top of the ninth. The 6-6 deadlock was then broken in the 11th when Blumberg delivered a clutch two-out, two-run double. Jake Watson followed with an RBI single that proved crucial. In the bottom half of the inning, Clarke plated two runs before pitcher Caden Bugarske recorded the final out on a fielder’s choice.
It was an especially productive first game for right fielder Alex Draper, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run and two RBIs. Others with multiple hits in the win over Clarke were first baseman Andrew Fetty (3-for-6, run, RBI) and the catcher Watson (2-for-5, two RBIs). The Bulldogs notched 12 hits to the Pride’s eight. Darin Eales and Jaiden Russin went deep for Clarke.
Both Concordia and CMU showcased masterful pitching performances in the nightcap. While making his 40th career start, Alex Johnson went five sparkling innings with just a single unearned run allowed on one hit and one walk. Johnson punched out six hitters and departed after making 65 pitches. Harrison Hoiekvam and Warren Rose combined to cover the final three scoreless innings.
Unfortunately, Gavin Whitehurst was every bit as good on the other side. He racked up 10 strikeouts in his six shutout frames for the Eagles (5-4). One of the Bulldogs’ best scoring chances came in the fourth when Jaeden Jordahl led off with a single. Zackery Day then pinch ran and stole second before being stranded right there. Concordia left two on base in the sixth. There were a combined 26 strikeouts in the contest.
As part of the 11-inning affair with Clarke, the Bulldogs used five different pitchers. Sam Bespoyasny got the start and logged six innings with three runs surrendered on four hits and three walks. He was followed on the bump by Daiten Schmidt, Alex Griess, DJ Andersen and Bugarske (winning pitcher). Concordia has the depth to keep rolling out power arms.
Said Dupic, “I thought we were decent in the first game, but we walked too many guys out of the bullpen. I’m glad to get those guys out there so we can keep learning. I thought the bullpen guys in game two were exceptional. Harrison Hoeikvam was great. Warren Rose was great. Alex Johnson threw great. We’re getting closer. I think our pitching depth can be a strength as we go, but we have to clean some things up. We’re getting there. I’m glad we had a chance to compete.”
Due to the abbreviation of the Show Me Showdown, the Bulldogs will have the rest of this week off from game action. Next up on the slate is a scheduled four-game series with Graceland University (Iowa) on Feb. 27-28. Should weather allow, the games will take place in Fort Scott, Kan.