SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia baseball team will take a brief break from GPAC action this week. The Bulldogs will host 16th-ranked York College for a single game on Tuesday before traveling to Dordt College on Saturday and hosting Mount Marty College Sunday.
GAME INFO
No. 16 York College (26-9, 16-4 KCAC) at Concordia University (16-16, 2-2 GPAC)
Tuesday, April 5 | 5:30 p.m.
Site: Plum Creek Park | Seward, Neb.
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network
GAME INFO
Concordia University (16-16, 2-2 GPAC) at Dordt College (13-12, 1-3 GPAC)
Saturday, April 9 | 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Site: Open Space Park | Sioux Center, Iowa
Live Audio: Dordt Streaming Audio
GAME INFO
Mount Marty (7-18, 0-4 GPAC) at Concordia University (16-16, 2-2 GPAC)
Sunday, April 10 | 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Site: Plum Creek Park | Seward, Neb.
Webcast: Concordia Sports Network
Last time out
The Bulldogs split each of their last two GPAC double-headers. Both wins were thanks to walk-offs. Christian Meza slapped a single to center field to score the winning run against Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday. Then on Sunday, Johnny May jacked a solo walk-off home run to left field to defeat Briar Cliff.
GPAC rankings
In the conference, the Bulldogs lead in chances per game (34.97) and assists per game (10.50), are tied for first in triples per game (0.50) and total triples (16), rank second in putouts per game (22.59), total assists (336) and innings pitched per game (7.53) and rank third in total chances (1,119) and runs scored per game (7.62). Below is an individual list of top-10 rankings in the league.
Jacob Adams – total triples, tied for eighth (2)
Casey Berg – triples per game, seventh (0.08); total triples, tied for eighth (2)
Taylor Bickel – wins, tied for 10th (3)
Alex Cargin – assists per game, 10th (2.17); total assists, 10th (52); triples per game, third (0.12); total triples, tied for third (3)
Taylor Dudley – total triples, tied for eighth (2)
Kaleb Geiger – chances per game, first (8.18); total chances, second (221); putouts per game, first (7.37); total putouts, second (199); slugging percentage, seventh (.663); runs scored per game, fourth (1.15); total runs scored, tied for 10th (31); RBI per game, tied for eighth (1.00); total RBI, 10th (27); doubles per game, tied for eighth (0.07); total triples, tied for eighth (2); on base percentage, first (.523)
Mark Harris – earned run average, second (2.02); opponent batting average, third (.230); innings pitched per game, seventh (5.10); batters struck out per game, fifth (8.07); total batters struck out, seventh (32); hits allowed per game, third (7.32); total hits allowed, fourth (29); runs allowed, tied for second (18); earned runs allowed, second (8); wins, tied for 10th (3)
Cole Jackson – earned run average, sixth (4.05); hits allowed per game, seventh (8.64); total hits allowed, sixth (32); runs allowed, tied for sixth (22); earned runs allowed, tied for fourth (15)
Christian Montero – slugging percentage, ninth (6.15); RBI per game, fifth (1.10); total RBI, tied for fifth (34); total doubles, tied for seventh (8); home runs per game, seventh (0.19); total home runs, tied for sixth (6); total bases per game, seventh (2.06); total bases, tied for 10th (64)
Josue Melchor – saves, tied for sixth (2)
Christian Meza – doubles per game, tied for eighth (0.28)
Logan Ryan – chances per game, 10th (5.03); total chances, tied for eighth (156); assists per game, second (2.87); total assists, second (89); total triples, tied for eighth (2)
Neil Ryan – wins, tied for 10th (3)
Runs record watch
Through 32 games this season the Bulldogs have already scored 244 runs, averaging 7.61 per game. With 19 more guaranteed contests, the team should have no problems surpassing the single-season record for runs of 289 set in the 2015 season. Eleven Bulldogs have crossed the plate more than 14 times apiece with Kaleb Geiger leading the pack with 31.
National numbers
In the nation, Concordia ranks in the top-50 in several categories including seventh in triples per game (0.50), 10th in total triples (16) and 14th in assists per game (10.50). Below is a list of top-35 individual rankings in the country.
Alex Cargin – triples per game, 35th (0.13)
Kaleb Geiger – chances per game, 17th (8.19); putouts per game, 27th (7.37)
Mark Harris – total earned runs allowed, 30th (8)
Logan Ryan – assists per game, 30th (2.88)
Quotable
“We’re seeing more tenacity offensively. I think we’re giving less at bats away. We’ve been a little bit better at getting our pitch and keeping it in the strike zone. As we’ve gotten a feel for things we’ve done a nice job as we get into the late part of the game.”
-Head coach Ryan Dupic
Scouting the opponents
No. 16 York College Panthers
The Panthers of York College hold a 26-9 overall record and a 16-4 mark in the KCAC. The squad has an overall batting average of .343 and a 42.1 on base percentage. From the mound, the York pitchers have a 5.11 ERA. The Panther are led by head coach Brian Walth who is in his third season at York College. Walth is assisted by Dylan Connolly, Eric Gray, Tyler Helms and Mike Miller.
Dordt College Defenders
The Defenders of Dordt College are currently 13-12, 1-3 GPAC this season. The team has a batting average of .293 and an on base mark of 37.1 percent. The Dordt pitching crew has a 4.85 ERA this year. The Defenders are led by head coach Jeff Schouten who is in his 13th season at Dordt. Schouten is assisted by Patrick Sinnema and Taylor Morris.
Mount Marty College Lancers
The Lancers of Mount Marty College are 7-17 on the year and 0-3 in the GPAC. The crew has a .293 batting average and a 37.9 on base percentage. The pitching staff owns a 4.61 ERA. The Lancers are led by head coach Andy Bernatow who is in his 12th season at Mount Marty. Bernatow is assisted by Jason Nelson, Scott Enfield, Tate Bruckner, Nik Davis and Caleb Wilson.
Up next on the diamond
The Concordia baseball team will be on the road for all contests next week. On Wednesday, April 13, the ‘Dogs will play Grace before returning to GPAC play over the weekend. The squad will then play at Northwestern on Saturday and Morningside on Sunday, both double-headers.