SEWARD, Neb. – The Concordia baseball team will travel for all three of its contest this week. The Bulldogs will head to Omaha to take on Grace University before returning to GPAC play this weekend. Northwestern and Morningside are on the slate for league games this week.
GAME INFO
Concordia University (20-17, 6-2 GPAC) at Grace University (0-16)
Wednesday, April 13 | 7:05 p.m.
Site: John Stella Field at Brown Park | Omaha, Neb.
Webcast: Live Stream
GAME INFO
Concordia University (20-17, 6-2 GPAC) at Northwestern College (17-17, 6-2 GPAC)
Saturday, April 16 | 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Site: Baseball Diamond | Orange City, Iowa
Live Stats: Stretch Internet
Webcast: Stretch Internet
GAME INFO
Concordia University (20-17, 6-2 GPAC) at Morningside College (29-9, 5-3 GPAC)
Sunday, April 17 | 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Site: Lewis & Clark Park | Sioux City, Iowa
Live Stats: Stat Crew
Last time out
This past weekend, the Bulldogs went 4-0 in GPAC play. Concordia defeated Dordt College on Saturday, 14-3 and 15-3 (7 inn.). On Sunday, Ben Kruse and Josue Melchor combined for a no-hitter against Mount Marty College in a twin bill 1-0, 17-0 (7 inn.) sweep.
GPAC rankings
Concordia is currently tied for first in the league with Midland and Northwestern. In the conference, the Bulldogs lead in triples per game (0.49) and total triples (18), rank second in putouts per game (22.38), total assists (388) and innings pitched per game (7.46), rank third in chances per game (34.65), total chances (1,282), assists per game (10.49), runs scored per game (7.89), total runs scored (292), RBI per game (6.76) and total RBI (250) and are tied for third in stolen bases (52). Below is an individual list of top-10 rankings in the league.
Casey Berg – triples per game, seventh (0.10); total triples, tied for third (3)
Taylor Bickel – wins, tied for seventh (4)
Alex Cargin – total triples, tied for third (3)
Kaleb Geiger – chances per game, first (8.31); total chances, first (266); putouts per game, first (7.56); total putouts, first (242); batting average, eighth (.338); slugging percentage, fourth (.694); runs scored per game, fourth (1.12); total runs scored, sixth (36); RBI per game, fifth (1.06); total RBI, tied for sixth (34); doubles per game, second (0.34); total doubles, tied for fourth (11); home runs per game, 10th (0.16); total home runs, tied for eighth (5); total bases per game, sixth (2.12); total bases, ninth (68); on base percentage, first (.520)
Mark Harris – earned run average, first (2.32); opponent batting average, fifth (.258); innings pitched per game, sixth (5.33); total innings pitched, 10th (42.2); batters struck out per game, fourth (8.23); total batters struck out, fifth (39); hits allowed per game, fourth (8.44); total hits allowed, seventh (40); runs allowed, fourth (21); earned runs allowed, first (11); wins, tied for seventh (4)
Cole Jackson – earned run average, fourth (4.02); opponent batting average, tied for sixth (.264); innings pitched per game, eighth (5.04); total batters stuck out, ninth (27); hits allowed per game, third (8.26); total hits allowed, third (37); runs allowed, tied for sixth (25); earned runs allowed, tied for third (18)
Johnny May – steal attempts per game, 10th (0.42); total steal attempts, tied for ninth (13)
Christian Montero – slugging percentage, 10th (.598); RBI per game, seventh (1.03); total RBI, fifth (37); doubles per game, tied for third (0.33); total doubles, tied for second (12); home runs per game, ninth (0.17); total home runs, tied for fifth (6); total bases per game, ninth (2.03); total bases, sixth (73); total at bats, seventh (122)
Josue Melchor – saves, tied for fifth (3)
Christian Meza – doubles per game, tied for third (0.33); total doubles, tied for sixth (10)
Logan Ryan – total chances, 10th (179); assists per game, second (2.86); total assists, second (103); triples per game, ninth (0.08); total triples, tied for third (3)
Runs record broken
Through 37 games this season the Bulldogs have scored 292 runs, averaging 7.89 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. Eight Bulldogs have crossed the plate more than 20 times apiece with Kaleb Geiger leading the pack with 36.
National numbers
In the nation, Concordia ranks in the top-50 in 15 categories including seventh in total triples (18) and triples per game (0.49) and 19th in assists per game (10.49). Below is a list of top-35 individual rankings in the country.
Kaleb Geiger – chances per game, 14th (8.31); putouts per game, 21st (7.56)
Logan Ryan – assists per game, 27th (2.86)
Quotable
“I think the guys are feeling pretty good. They’ve been having a lot of fun lately. It’s been great to see. They’re out their having a great time. When guys make comments about how much fun they’re having around each other that’s when you know it’s starting to become something good. Hopefully we’ll keep it rolling into next week.”
-Head coach Ryan Dupic on the wins over Mount Marty
Scouting the opponents
Grace University Royals
The Royals of Grace University are 0-16 on the year. The Bulldogs defeated the Royals earlier this season 11-0 and 21-4 in a home double-header for the ‘Dogs. Grace owns a team batting average of .210 and a 31.6 on-base percentage. The pitching crew has a club ERA of 13.93 and a .404 opponent batting average. The Royals are led by head coach Kim Karabatsos who is in his first year at Grace University. Karabatsos is assisted by Nate Wymer, Zack Andrews, Johnny Miranda and Max Martin.
Northwestern College Red Raiders
The Red Raiders of Northwestern College have an overall mark of 17-17 and a 6-2 GPAC record. The Red Raiders will face Midland on Friday before hosting Concordia. Northwestern has a .326 batting average and a 40.8 on-base percentage. The Red Raider pitching staff has a combined 7.57 ERA and .306 opponent batting average. The Red Raiders are led by head coach Brian Wede who is in his 10th season at Northwestern. Wede is assisted by Chris Lewis, Matt Van Schepen and Dave Noteboom.
Morningside College Mustangs
The Mustangs of Morningside College are receiving votes in the national poll and own a 29-9 overall and 5-3 GPAC record this year. The Mustangs will face Bellevue and Nebraska Wesleyan before hosting the Bulldogs Sunday. As a team, Morningside has compiled a .337 batting average and 42.6 on-base percentage. The pitching team has a 3.43 ERA and .244 opponent batting average. The Mustangs are led by head coach Brian Drent who is in his fifth year at Morningside. Drent is assisted by Josh Merrigan, Steve Drent and Kevin Negaard.
Up next on the diamond
The Concordia baseball team will travel to York next Tuesday for a single nine inning game beginning at 5:30 p.m. for its last regular-season non-conference tilt of the season. April 23, the Bulldogs will host Midland University for a double-header beginning at 4 p.m. before going to Doane College April 24 for another twin bill with a 1 p.m. start time.