SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – It was a slog of a Wednesday (April 8) in Sioux Center, Iowa, where Concordia University, Nebraska Baseball and Dordt battled for more than six hours. The Bulldogs let game one slip through their fingers and lost, 4-3, before bouncing back to win game two, 15-9. Luke Wilson and Bronx Lewis both homered and Jimmy Blumberg collected three hits in the victory.
Head Coach Ryan Dupic’s squad swept a doubleheader from Dordt in Lincoln, Neb., on Monday and took three of four in the series. Concordia stands at 24-13 overall (12-4 GPAC).
“We put too many guys on base,” Dupic said. “Game two got a little bit ugly for both sides, but we were able to string enough runs together. It was a disappointing first game. I’m glad we bounced back and got the second game. We have to play better, and we know that. Hopefully we can find a way to make some progress.”
Indeed, walks and hit batters were a problem for both sides. There were a combined 33 walks (20 issued by Dordt pitching) and 10 hit batters over the 14 innings of action. In game one on Wednesday, the Defenders somehow overcame 12 free passes and came from behind to steal the win. In the bottom of the sixth, Dordt shrugged off a 3-1 deficit thanks to a two-run double from Joey Schlesselman and an RBI two-bagger from Ryan Vann.
It was a battle of attrition in game two, which featured 11 total pitchers. The Bulldogs got their 15 runs on 11 hits and nine walks. Just when the Defenders rallied back to within 9-8 in the fifth, Concordia struck for four runs in the sixth while taking advantage of defensive misplays. A big blow was delivered by Lewis, who pummeled a two-run shot down the right field line. Lewis homered twice on the day to extend his GPAC leading season total to 16.
The third baseman Blumberg continues to excel near the bottom of the order. In game two, he doubled home the contest’s first run and then added insurance in the seventh with a two-run single. Other stars of game two were Jaeden Jordahl (2-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs) and Wilson (2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs). Lewis drew three walks in addition to the homer.
On the mound, Sam Bespoyasny started game one and allowed just a single run in five innings. Unfortunately, the bullpen was unable to hold the lead. In game two, Ernie Snyder was credited with the win after he relieved starter Devin Gonor. Daiten Schmidt later threw a 1-2-3 seventh to bring order to a chaotic day.
Both Concordia and Dordt have had to be strategic about how they use their pitching during a jampacked week. Said Dupic, “It’s not easy on anybody, but I think we were positioned to be all right. Things just got away from us a little bit today. It’s definitely a factor.”
The Defenders (15-21, 5-11 GPAC) have improved significantly in 2026. In nonconference play, they took two from NAIA powerhouse Southeastern University (Fla.). On Wednesday, Vann enjoyed a strong day at the top of the lineup with four hits and four RBIs. Dordt is also scheduled to play Friday and Saturday (at Dakota Wesleyan).
The Bulldogs are scheduled to return to Plum Creek Park on Friday to host Midland (12-22, 7-8 GPAC). First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 3 p.m. CT in Seward. The following day, Concordia will head to Sherman Field in Lincoln, Neb., to take on Northwestern for senior day.