SEWARD, Neb. – Concordia’s baseball team will compete one more single game and two double-headers to finish out the regular season. The Bulldogs will travel to Grace University Monday for a nine-inning tilt before going to Hastings on Thursday. On Friday, Nebraska Wesleyan will be the visitors at Plum Creek Park.
GAME INFO
Concordia University (23-23, 9-7 GPAC) at Grace University (0-20)
Monday, April 25 | 7 p.m.
Site: John Stella Field | Omaha, Neb.
GAME INFO
Concordia University (23-23, 9-7 GPAC) at Hastings College (15-31, 7-9 GPAC)
Thursday, April 58 | 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Site: Duncan Field | Hastings, Neb.
Webcast: Stretch Internet
GAME INFO
Nebraska Wesleyan University (11-25, 2-14 GPAC) at Concordia University (23-23, 9-7 GPAC)
Friday, April 29 | 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Site: Plum Creek Park | Seward, Neb.
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network
Last time out
The Bulldogs faced No. 14 York College for the second time this season and were defeated, 13-5. On senior day, Midland was the visitor and topped Concordia 9-3 and 16-4 (7 inn.) in a double-header. Then on Sunday, Doane hosted Concordia and split a twin bill 13-0 and 5-0 (7 inn.).
GPAC rankings
Concordia is currently tied for fourth in the league with Mount Marty. In the conference, the Bulldogs lead in triples per game (0.46) and total triples (21), rank second in total chances (1,573) and total assists (477) and rank third in assists per game (10.37). Below is an individual list of top-10 rankings in the league.
Casey Berg – triples per game, first (0.10); total triples, tied for first (4)
Alex Cargin – total triples, tied for fourth (3)
Kaleb Geiger – chances per game, first (8.29); total chances, second (340); putouts per game, first (7.66); total putouts, second (314); slugging percentage, sixth (.651); RBI per game, fifth (1.00); total RBI, tied for fifth (41); doubles per game, seventh (0.29); total doubles, tied for ninth (12); triples per game, tied for seventh (0.07); total triples, tied for fourth (3); total home runs, tied for ninth (7); total bases per game, 10th (2.05); total bases, tied for 10th (84); on base percentage, seventh (.472)
Mark Harris – earned run average, second (3.70) batters struck out per game, eighth (7.95); total batters struck out, ninth (43); hits allowed per game, seventh (9.43); total hits allowed, tied for sixth (51); runs allowed, tied for fifth (31); earned runs allowed, first (20)
Cole Jackson – hits allowed per game, eighth (9.70); total hits allowed, tied for sixth (51)
Christian Montero – total RBI, seventh (40); doubles per game, tied for eighth (0.29); total doubles, tied for fifth (13); total home runs, tied for ninth (7); total bases, tied for 10th (84)
Josue Melchor – saves, tied for fourth (4)
Logan Ryan – total chances, 10th (226); assists per game, second (2.91); total assists, second (131); total triples, tied for fourth (3)
Runs record broken
Through 46 games this season the Bulldogs have scored 332 runs, averaging 7.22 per game. Concordia broke the single-season record for runs of 289 set in the 2015 season on Sunday, April 10. The ‘Dogs tied the mark with the 14th run scored against Mount Marty and surpassed it on the 15th. Nine Bulldogs have crossed the plate more than 20 times apiece with Kaleb Geiger leading the pack with 39.
National numbers
In the nation, Concordia ranks in the top-45 in 12 categories including eighth in total triples (21) and triples per game (0.46) and 18th in assists per game (10.37). Below is a list of top-25 individual rankings in the country.
Kaleb Geiger – chances per game, 17th (8.29); 16th in putouts per game (7.66)
Logan Ryan – total assists, 24th (131)
Quotable
“There are so many games in such a short time. There’s not a lot of time to practice. It’s quick turnarounds. From a confidence perspective it would be a good deal.”
-Head coach Ryan Dupic
Scouting the opponents
Grace University Royals
The Royals of Grace University own a 0-20 overall record. Grace owns a team batting average of .222 and an on-base record of 31.5 percent. The Royals’ pitching crew has an ERA of 13.02 and their opposing batters own a .374 average. The Royals are led by head coach Kim Karabatsos who is in his first season at Grace. Karabatsos is assisted by Nate Wymer, Zack Andrews, Johnny Miranda and Max Martin.
Hastings College Broncos
The Broncos of Hastings College have a 15-31, 7-9 GPAC record this season. Hastings has a squad batting average of .285 and a 36.6 on-base percentage. The Bronco pitching staff owns a 5.99 ERA. Opposing batters have an average of .313. The Broncos are led by head coach Steve Spongberg who is in his third season at Hastings. Spongberg is assisted by Travis McCarter, Blake Marquardt and Ryan Miller.
Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves
The Prairie Wolves of Nebraska Wesleyan University hold an 11-25 overall record and a 2-14 record in the GPAC. The team has a batting average of .294 and an on-base percentage of 38.4 percent. The Prairie Wolves’ bullpen owns a 7.51 ERA while their opposing batters have a .334 batting average. The Prairie Wolves are led by head coach Scott Ballinger who is in his first season at Nebraska Wesleyan. Ballinger is assisted by Alex Heideman, Nick Zawacki and Tanner Soderberg.
Up next on the diamond
Next week on May 5, the GPAC Tournament will begin. Times and locations of the contests will be announced after all regular season contests are complete.