2008 - Baseball schedule/results
8-35 Overall, 7-17 GPAC - View stats for the season
FEBRUARY | ||||
Feb. 23 | Metro St. University (2) | Denver, Colo. | L 5-2 | |
Feb. 24 | Metro St. University (2) | Denver, Colo. | L 11-5 | |
Feb. 27 | Bethany College (2) | Lindsburg, Kan. | L 8-0 | |
Feb. 29 | Avila University (1) | Wichita, Kan. | L 7-5 | |
MARCH | ||||
March 1 | Mt. Mercy (1) | Wichita, Kan. | L 5-4 | |
March 11 | Peru St. College (2) | Seward, Neb. | W 8-5 | |
March 12 | Nebraska Wesleyan (1) | L 12-9 | ||
March 16 | Southwestern University (1) | Georgetown, Texas | L 20-1 | |
March 17 | Texas Lutheran University (1) | Seguin, Texas | L 6-2 | |
March 18 | Trinity University (1) | San Antonio, Texas | L 9-4 | |
March 19 | Huston-Tillotson University (2) | Austin, Texas | L 7-3 | |
March 22 | Northwestern College (2)* | Seward, Neb. | L 7-5 (9) | |
March 24 | Briar Cliff University (2)* | Seward, Neb. | W 11-9 | |
March 27 | York College (1) | York, Neb. | L 7-6 (11) | |
March 29 | University of Sioux Falls (2)* | Seward, Neb. | L 13-12 | |
APRIL | ||||
April 1 | York College (2) | York, Neb. | L 9-3 | |
April 2 | Mt. Marty College (2)* | Seward, Neb. | L 8-1 | |
April 5 | Nebraska Wesleyan Univ. (2)* | Seward, Neb. | L 6-1 | |
April 6 | Dana College (2)* | Seward, Neb. | W 10-3 | |
April 13 | Dakota Wesleyan University (2)* | Seward, Neb. | L 11-1 (5 Inn.) | |
April 14 | Doane College (2)* | Seward, Neb. | L 6-5 | |
April 19 | Dordt College (2)* | Sioux Center, Iowa | W 9-0 | |
April 20 | Morningside College (2)* | Sioux City, Iowa | L 11-10 | |
April 25 | Midland Lutheran College (2)* | Fremont, Neb. | W 10-1 | |
April 26 | Hastings College (2)* | Seward, Neb. | L 5-4 | |
May 1-3 | GPAC Tournament | TBA | TBA | |
*Indicates Great Plains Athletic Conference Games
All Home Games in BOLD
2008 - Baseball roster
No. | Name | B/T | Pos. | Ht. | Yr. | Hometown |
1 | BJ Juelfs | R/R | OF | 6-1 | SR | Ft. Collins, Colo. |
2 | Andy Whitfield | L/R | INF | 5-8 | FR | Berthoud, Colo. |
4 | Brett Wilson | R/R | OF | 5-11 | SO | Colby, Kan. |
6 | Michael Holmberg | R/R | RHP | 6-4 | SO | Westcliffe, Colo. |
7 | Jack Holmberg | R/R | INF/C | 6-1 | JR | Westcliffe, Colo. |
8 | Benjamin Ahlman | R/R | INF | 6-3 | JR | Arvada, Colo. |
9 | Andrew Asmus | R/R | INF | 5-10 | SO | Sioux Falls, S.D |
10 | Matt Rottmann | L/L | LHP | 6-2 | SR | Austin, Texas |
11 | Tyler Vest | R/R | C | 5-8 | FR | Houston, Texas |
12 | Troy Kane | R/R | RHP/OF | 6-2 | FR | Woodland Park, Colo. |
13 | Matt Specht | R/R | INF | 6-1 | SO | Greeley, Colo. |
14 | Sean Spaulding | R/R | RHP | 6-0 | JR | Incline Village, Nev. |
15 | Jacob Yurich | R/R | RHP/INF | 6-3 | FR | Aurora, Colo. |
17 | Joe Becerra | S/R | C | 5-11 | SO | Houston, Texas |
18 | Payton McLachan | L/L | LHP | 6-0 | FR | Arvada, Colo. |
19 | Mitch Nathan | R/R | C/INF | 6-0 | FR | Golden, Colo. |
20 | Brandon Koznecki | R/R | RHP/OF | 6-5 | FR | Parker, Colo. |
21 | Trent Ellis | R/R | OF | 5-7 | FR | Norfolk, Neb. |
22 | Adam Moyer | R/R | OF | 5-10 | SR | Las Vegas, Nev. |
23 | Nick Jones | R/R | INF/RHP | 6-1 | FR | Groveland, Fla. |
24 | Nate Schmoll | R/R | OF | 5-11 | SO | Englewood, Colo. |
25 | Casey Rodriguez | L/R | INF | 5-9 | JR | Parker, Colo. |
26 | Caleb Taylor | R/L | LHP | 5-11 | FR | Georgetown, Texas |
27 | Kasey Tooley | R/R | RHP | 6-0 | FR | Pflugerville, Texas |
28 | Eric Gramenz | R/R | INF/RHP | 5-10 | FR | Steeleville, Ill. |
29 | Marcus Nathan | R/R | C/INF | 6-1 | SR | Golden, Colo. |
30 | Kevin Poppe | R/R | INF | 6-4 | SO | Spring, Texas |
31 | Brad Ramp | L/L | LHP | 5-11 | SO | Friend, Neb. |
32 | Micah May | R/R | RHP/INF | 6-1 | FR | Colorado Springs, Colo. |
33 | Jacob Shaffer | R/R | RHP | 6-4 | SO | Lewisville, Texas |
34 | John Couch | R/R | RHP/INF | 6-2 | SO | Santa Fe, Texas |
35 | Seth Heidbrink | R/R | RHP | 6-0 | JR | San Diego, Calif. |
36 | Casey Seay | R/R | RHP | 5-11 | FR | Hastings, Neb. |
40 | Ben McGee | R/R | OF | 6-0 | FR | St. Joseph, Mo. |
42 | Jake Roberts | L/R | OF | 5-10 | JR | State Center, Iowa |
43 | BJ Swearer | R/R | INF | 6-0 | FR | Lincoln, Neb. |
44 | Austin Beckman | R/R | OF | 6-1 | FR | Arlington, Texas |
45 | Philip Neeley | R/R | OF | 5-9 | FR | Union, Mo. |
RS | Raymond Cooper | R/R | INF | 5-4 | JR | Castle Rock, Wash |
RS | Josh Holden | L/R | C | 5-11 | FR | Santa Clarita, Calif. |
RS | Brad Stearns | R/R | RHP | 6-3 | FR | Eagle River, AK |
2008 - Coaching staff
Head coach: Jeremy Geidel
GPAC preseason poll released Tuesday
22 JAN 2008
The Concordia University, Nebraska Baseball team was picked to finish tenth in the 2008 GPAC preseason coaches poll. The Bulldogs finished the 2007 season in the same position after going 12-32 (10-14 GPAC). Points were assigned on a 12-1 basis and coaches' could not vote for their own team.
The GPAC baseball season will once again consist of 24 games and conclude with the GPAC Postseason Tournament on May 1-3 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at Harmondon Park. The NAIA Region III Tournament will be hosted by the Dakota Athletic Conference at a site to be determined.
The Bulldogs open up the season February 16 in Lindsburg, Kan. with a double header beginning at 1 p.m.
Here is the complete GPAC Baseball 2008 preseason coaches' poll:
Team | Points | First Place Votes |
1. Northwestern | 134 | 7 |
2. Dakota Wesleyan | 116 | 1 |
3. Midland Lutheran | 115 | 1 |
4. Sioux Falls | 107 | 3 |
5. Briar Cliff | 105 | 1 |
6. Mount Marty | 89 |
|
7. Nebraska Wesleyan | 81 |
|
8t. Hastings | 66 |
|
8t. Morningside | 66 |
|
10. Concordia | 46 |
|
11. Doane | 42 |
|
12. Dana | 32 |
|
13. Dordt | 15 |
|
Bulldogs drop season opener
23-24 FEB 2008
The Concordia University baseball team opened up the season dropping a double header 5-2 and 9-1 to the Metro State Roadrunners at Auraria Field in Denver, Colo. Saturday afternoon.
Sophomore starter Jacob Shafter was tagged with the loss after throwing five and two thirds giving up five runs on eight hits. The Bulldog offense managed only two hits in the first outing of the season.
In game two the Bulldog offense managed to produce more hits but the Bulldog pitching staff was taxed as start Matt Rottman lasted only two and a third innights giving up four runs on four hits to pick up the loss for the Bulldogs. Concordia used six pitchers in the game. Left fielder Adam Moyer led the Bulldog offense going 3-for-3 from the lead off position.
The series continues with games three and four on Sunday beginning at 11 am in Denver, Colo.
Road Runners complete sweep of Bulldogs
25 FEB 2008
The Concordia University baseball team jumped out to a quick four run lead on Metro State (Colo.) before the Road Runners would score seven un answered runs, en route to a 11-5 game one victory over the Bulldogs Saturday afternoon at Auraria Field in Denver, Colo.
Junior starting pitcher Sean Spaulding had a rough, first career outing for the Bulldogs as he was tagged with loss. Spaulding (0-1) was taxed for seven runs (six earned) in two complete innings of work on nine hits. Sophomore lefty reliever Brad Ramp was also roughed by the Metro State hitters giving up four runs on four hits in two and one thirds inning of relief.
The heart of the Bulldog offense found their grooves during the ball game as the Concordia two, three, four and five hitters combined for six of the Bulldogs eight hits. Junior first basemen Jack Holmberg led the attack, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Senior right fielder BJ Juelfs added two hits, a run scored, an RBI, and a stolen base. The remaining Concordia starters were a combined 1-for-9 in the game.
In game two the Bulldogs young pitching staff was exposed as starter sophomore John Couch picked up the loss in his first start of the season. Couch surrendered 10 runs (six earned) on 12 hits while striking out five. The Bulldogs used five pitchers in the game with Couch being the only non-freshman to pitch. The Bulldogs tied the ball game at 3-3 in the top of the fourth before the Road Runners exploded for seven runs on six hits in the bottom of the fourth.
Offensively the Bulldog bats were much better in the second game, with seven runs on 13 hits. Holmberg against led the Concordia offense going 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored. Junior second baseman Casey Rodriguez had a solid day at the plate, 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI.
The next scheduled action for the Bulldogs is Thursday, February 28 when Concordia travels to York, Neb. to take on the York College panthers in a double header beginning at 1 pm.
Errors hurt Bulldogs in loss to Northwestern
22 MAR 2008
The Concordia University baseball team took one of the GPAC favorites to the wire in a 7-5 extra inning defeat to Northwestern (Iowa) in game on of a double header at Memorial Field, Plum Creek Park in Seward, Neb.
The game looked to be getting out of hand early as Northwestern (8-7, 2-1 GPAC) scored four runs in the top of the first, after Concordia starter Jacob Schaffer walked the lead off hitter and an error put the Bulldog defense on its heals with the first two batters on base. Northwestern first baseman Jacob Jansen then too the third pitch he saw from Schaffer and deposited it over the right center field fence for the three-run home run. Northwestern would add another run to round out the scoring of the inning.
Concordia (1-16, 0-1 GPAC) got on the scoreboard in the third inning, after Jack Holmberg reached on an error, senior left fielderBJ Juelfs doubled to right field while Holmberg held at third. Junior short stop Benjamin Ahlman then singled to right field to plate the first two runs for the Bulldogs. Concordia added another run in the inning when sophomore Matt Specht beat out a double-play attempt by the Red Raiders allowing Ahlman to score.
After Northwestern added a run in the fourth inning to move their lead to 5-3, Concordia would rally in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game when Northwestern again failed to turn a double play allowing junior Casey Rodriguez to score from third. Juelfs would single in Nate Schmoll to tie the game at 5-5.
The two teams remained in a dead lock until in the ninth inning Schaffer walked the lead off man, Curtis Bomgaars. Freshman Troy Kane would come out of the bullpen in relief and walk the first man he faced, Scott Mineart. After a ground out to Ahlman, Northwestern shortstop Grant Wall hit a high fly ball into centerfield, Bulldog centerfielder Jake Roberts over ran the play allowing the ball to drop in, allowing the two runners to score. The Concordia offense would be held in check in the bottom of the ninth.
Starter Jacob Schaffer suffered the loss for the Bulldogs going eight complete innings giving up six hits, six runs (three earned) while striking out 10. The Bulldog defense was plagued by errors all day as Concordia managed eight in the game.
Offensively Concordia was led Juelfs who went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Rodriguez added two hits for the Bulldogs.
Northwestern starter Joe Grady went nine complete innings, scattering eight hits while surrendering five runs, three earned in the victory.
In game two the Bulldogs were never able to establish and offensive or defensive rhythm as the Bulldogs were held to five hits and surrendered three errors. Starter sophomore John Couch was taxed for 12 hits, 10 runs (all earned) in five innings of work as the Bulldogs dropped game two, 10-2.
Concordia will take tomorrow off to celebrate Easter, and then resume conference play as the Chargers of Briar Cliff University come to Seward, Neb. for a 12:30 p.m. double header.
Bulldogs split with Chargers
24 MAR 2008
The Concordia University baseball team took one game one 11-9 before dropping game two in extra innings 14-13 to Briar Cliff University (Iowa), Monday at Memorial Field, Plum Creek Park in Seward, Neb.
In game one the two teams were locked at 1-1 going to the bottom of the third when Concordia (2-18, 1-3 GPAC) exploded for eight runs on seven hits, thanks in part to back to back homeruns. The first an inside the park home-run by senior BJ Juelfs and a solo shot to right field by junior Benjamin Ahlman. Junior Casey Rodriguez began the inning with a double and later added a two run double as 13 Bulldogs came to the plate in the innings as Concordia roared out to a 9-1 lead.
Briar Cliff (4-13, 3-1 GPAC) would then respond with their own 13 batter rally cutting the Concordia lead to 9-8, plating seven runs on six hits and two Bulldog errors. The big hit of the inning came when lead-off man, Chris Davis connected for a two RBI double. Davis scored when two batters later, Andrew Swank tripled to the left center gap.
Concordia relievers, freshmen Micah May and Troy Kane would then scatter one run over the next three innings as the Bulldog offense would extend the lead with two unearned runs to earn a hard fought 11-9 victory.
Bulldog starting pitcher, sophomore Brad Ramp picked up the victory for Concordia. Ramp threw three and two thirds innings, giving up eight runs (five earned) on 10 hits while striking out four. The Chargers Andy Keane was tagged with the loss, giving up five runs and six hits. Five of the six hits were extra base hits (three double and two homeruns).
In game two the offensive fireworks by both teams continued as Concordia jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead after two innings. Briar Cliff would again respond with four run rally that concluded with a two run triple by David Callahan to give the Chargers a 6-5 lead but that would not be the end of the scoring.
Concordia charged back in the bottom of the fourth when sophomore Matt Specht was hit by a pitch and then later stole second. Specht then scored on a single by junior Jake Roberts, and after a Rodriguez strike out, sophomore Nate Schmoll took an Eric Fox fastball and deposited it over the left field fence to give the Bulldogs the lead at 8-6.
The Chargers would then surge out to an 11-8 lead heading to the bottom of the sixth before the Concordia offense again came alive. Sophomore Andrew Asmus started the two out rally with a pinch-hit base-hit. Rodriguez followed up Asmus with a ringing single up the middle, bringing up the hot swinging Schmoll who came through with another RBI single. Schmoll then showed his baseball smarts by taking second on an errant throw by the Charger defense. Junior Jack Holmberg then connected for the fourth straight Bulldog base hit to plate the tying runs.
The two teams would trade two run seventh innings before Briar Cliff took the lead for good in the top of the eighth inning. Chargers lead off hitter Davis walked and stole second and advanced to third on a base hit. Briar Cliff's Swank again struck, this time with an RBI sacrifice fly to score Davis from third. The Concordia offense would be held hitless and scoreless in the bottom of the eighth as Briar Cliff held on for the 14-13 victory.
The Bulldogs were led offensively in game two by Schmoll who went 4-for-5 with four RBI's while Holmberg also had four RBI's on 2-for-5 hitting.
Concordia will play York College in a non-conference match-up Thursday, March 27 before heading to South Dakota for four GPAC games, first a double header with the University of Sioux Falls on Saturday before taking on Mt. Marty on Sunday.
Cougars squeek by Bulldogs
29 MAR 2008
The Concordia University, Nebraska baseball team dropped two close one run losses, dropping game one 13-12 and falling 5-4 in game two, to the University of Sioux Falls Cougars Saturday night at Memorial Field of Plum Creek Park in Seward, Neb.
In a series where Concordia played a rare away game in Seward, Neb. since the home field of the University of Sioux Falls was unplayable. The Bulldogs looked to be cruising when they exploded for nine runs on nine base hits to take a commanding 12-3 lead going to the bottom of the fifth inning. Sioux Falls would then score ten unanswered runs off starter sophomore Jacob Shaffer and reliever freshman Peyton McLauchan to steal the 13-12 victory.
Concordia was lead offensively by junior Casey Rodriguez and sophomore Matt Specht, who each had three hits apiece for the Bulldog offense that saw every starter notch at least one base hit. Shaffer was tagged with the loss for the Concordia, giving up 13 runs (seven earned) on 12 hits and seven walks, while striking out five.
In Game two the Bulldogs were able to capitalize on three Cougars errors to push across four runs but the Bulldogs would not be able to hold on as Sioux Falls would score four runs in the fourth and fifth innings to take the 5-4 victory.
Concordia starter sophomore John Couch was dominating the Sioux Falls hitters through four innings, surrendering two runs on only four base hits but the bottom would fall out in the fifth. After retiring the lead off hitter couch allowed a single but the base runner Cody Minich would be sat down as he tried to steal second and was thrown out by senior Catcher Marcus Nathan.
Then with two outs Sioux Falls was able to string together four straight singles with a walk sandwiched in between to push across three runs giving Sioux Falls a 5-4 advantage.
Concordia tried to respond in the top of the seventh but after a Rodriguez single, Sioux Falls went to closer Brandon Compton who slammed the door shut on the Bulldogs striking out sophomore centerfielder Nate Schmoll to end the game.
The Bulldogs were led offensively by Nathan going 2-for-3 with two RBI's while Rodriguez again went for multiple hits also going 2-for-3. Couch suffered the loss for the Bulldogs on the mount surrendering five runs (four earned) on eight hits.
Concordia will next head to Yankton, S.D. for a 3 p.m. double header against Mount Marty on Sunday afternoon before returning to Seward, Neb. for a Tuesday double header against York College.
Bulldogs earn split with Lancers
2 APR 2008
The Concordia University, Nebraska baseball team picked up a split with the Mount Marty College lancers on Wednesday night. The Game was originally scheduled to be played on Sunday, March 30 but due to in climate weather had to be moved to Seward, Neb.
Mount Marty (11-14, 3-5 GPAC) got a dominate pitching effort from freshman Nick Huston en route to a first game 8-1 victory. Huston threw a complete game one hitter while striking out four. Huston had a perfect game through six innings but walked the Bulldogs Casey Rodriguez with one out in the seventh inning. Rodriquez would then advance to second on a wild pitch and with two outs junior first basemen Jack Holmberg doubled to the right center field gap for the Bulldogs lone hit and run.
The Lancers were led offensively by Mike Hammonds who went 2-for-3 with four RBI and a run scored. Eight of the nine starters for Mt. Marty had at least one base hit with four of the eight having two base hits.
Sophomore lefty Brad Ramp was tagged with the loss for the Bulldogs. Ramp went three and one third innings, while giving up six runs (all earned) on eight hits to move his record to 1-2.
Concordia (3-24, 2-6 GPAC) used all the bullets in the chamber to put away the Lancers in the game two victory, 6-5. The Bulldogs used two starting pitchers in the top of the seventh to hold off a late Mt. Marty charge as the middle of the Bulldog lineup came up big for the offense.
The 5-6-7-8 hitters for Concordia combined to go 9-for-12 in game two led by senior right fielder BJ Juelfs who went 4-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Sophomore catcher Joe Bercerra, batting out of the eight spot, went 2-for-3 with four RBI. The biggest hit of the afternoon came when Bercerra put the bulldogs in front for good with a three run shot over the left field fence in the fourth inning.
Concordia used regular starter, sophomore Jacob Schaffer as a stopper last night as he earned his first career save. Schaffer came into the game with the bases loaded with Lancers and none out before wiggling out of the jam by inducing a fly ball and blowing the heat past Justin Simonesma for a big one out strike out. After a no harm infield single by the Lancers Dillon Lambley, Schaffer was able to get Luke Elliot to ground out to Bulldog second baseman BJ Swearer to end the game with the tying run on third.
The Bulldogs next action will be this coming Saturday as the Bulldogs welcome the Prairie Wolves of Nebraska Wesleyan to Memorial Field for a 5 p.m. double header on April 5. Concordia will then take on Dana College on April 6 with a 1 p.m. double header.
Bulldogs take down Vikings, drop two to Praire Wolves
5-6 APR 2008
The Concordia University baseball team has a rough start to the weekend dropping a double header to Nebraska Wesleyan, 6-1 and 9-3, on Saturday before bouncing back and winning two against Dana, 10-3 and 4-1, on Sunday.
The Bulldog starting pitchers were able to keep the Nebraska Wesleyan (12-11, 5-5 GPAC) bats from heating up but in both games the Bulldogs bullpens would be roughed up. The Prairie Wolves were able to get to sophomore starter Jacob Schaffer for four runs on seven hits while the Bulldogs were held to three hits in the 6-1 Nebraska Wesleyan victory.
In game two freshman starter Jacob Yurich was able to hold the Prairie Wolves at bay, and actually left the game after the fifth inning with a 3-1 victory. The Bulldog bullpen was then touched up for eight runs on six hits as Nebraska Wesleyan cruised to a 9-3 victory.
Concordia (5-26, 4-8 GPAC) was able to come back on Sunday and get the offense back on track as the Bulldogs were able to take down Dana (7-19, 4-8 GPAC) in back to back games.
In game one the Bulldog offense too center stage as Concordia put up 10 runs on eight hits, including two big homeruns. The first coming off the bat of junior short stop Casey Rodriguez, a three run blast over the right field fence that put Concordia in front 4-3. The second coming from junior first baseman Ben Ahlman, the two run home run put the Bulldogs out of reach of the Vikings for the 10-3 victory. Sophomore starter John Couch picked up his first victory of the season. Couch went a complete seven innings giving up only three runs (one earned) on five hits.
Rodriguez finished game one going 1-for-2 with four RBI and two runs scored, while senior BJ Juelfs added a productive day at the plate going 2-for-3 with three RBI.
Game two saw some of the same offensive fireworks from the Bulldogs but the bigger story was that of senior starting pitcher Matt Rottmann who threw a complete game. Rottmann was able to keep the Viking bats at bay as well as give the Concordia bullpen a much needed day of rest. Rottmann scattered five hits through seven innings and only allowed one run to cross the plate as the Bulldogs cruised to the 4-1 victory.
Offensively the Bulldogs were led by Juelfs and sophomore center fielder Nate Schmoll who each went 2-for-3. Schmoll added two RBI while Juelfs had a lone RBI. Ahlman added another long ball, his fourth of the season, as he went 1-for-3.
The Bulldogs get some much needed rest this week as they prepare for GPAC rival Doane College to come to Memorial Field for a 5 p.m. double header on Friday, April 11.
Tigers have Bulldogs number
13 APR 2008
The Concordia University baseball team dropped a double header Sunday to Dakota Wesleyan University in GPAC action at Memorial Field in Seward, Neb.
In what is becoming second nature the Bulldogs, bad weather in South Dakota forced the double header to be moved to the Bulldogs home field yet Concordia was still away team for both games.
In game one after holding the Bulldogs scoreless in the top of the first, the Tigers put up eight runs on six hits, two walks and a hit batsman. The Bulldog offense was held in check by the Dakota Wesleyan starter holding Concordia to three base hits as the Tigers cruised to an 11-1 victory.
Jacob Shaffer (0-6) was tagged with the loss for the Bulldogs as he gave up 11 runs (nine earned) on 10 hits.
Game two's beginning felt a lot like game one as the Tigers were able to push across five runs in the bottom of the first, but the Bulldogs responded with five runs of their own and in the top of the third took a 6-5 lead on a solo home run by junior first baseman Jack Holmberg. The Bulldogs added another run in the top of the sixth but the Tigers tied the game at 7-7 in the bottom of the sixth.
Both teams were held scoreless in the seventh inning, in the top of the eighth the Bulldogs loaded the bases with two outs as BJ Swearer drew a walk and Joe Bercerra was hit by a pitch. Matt Specht then singled but the Tigers were able to keep Swearer from scoring. Then with the bases loaded Jake Roberts was induced into rolling over and Dakota Wesleyan ended the Concordia threat as Specht was forced out at second.
In the bottom of the seventh a lead off walk would come back to haunt the Bulldogs. After an intentional walk and a hit batsman the Tigers had the bases loaded with one out. The Bulldogs then failed on a double play attempt, allowing the winning run to score from third, 8-7.
Reliever Jacob Yurich was tagged with the loss and the blown save allowing two hits and walking three. The Bulldogs were led offensively by Holmberg who went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Matt Specht added two hits and an RBI for Concordia.
The Bulldogs will next be in action April 14 as the will play Doane College in a make up game originally scheduled for April 11, at Memorial Field in Seward, Neb.
Bulldogs hold off Doane to earn split
14 APR 2008
The Concordia University baseball team earned a split with the Doane College Tigers in GPAC action Monday evening at Memorial Field in Seward, Neb.
Concordia (6-29, 5-11 GPAC) allowed Doane (15-21, 7-7 GPAC) to score six runs in the first three innings and it proved to be to great a deficit for the Bulldogs to overcome dropping game one 6-5.
Sophomore starter John Couch (1-6) was touched up for six runs (four earned) on seven hits to suffer the loss for Bulldogs while the Doane starter Bryan Dutcher picked up the victory for the Tigers, throwing four and two thirds innings giving up three runs on three hits.
The Bulldogs were led offensively by junior short stop Casey Rodriguez who went 2-for-2 with his third triple of the season and an RBI.
In game two the Bulldogs had the hot offense out of the gate, scoring five runs in the first three innings and were able to hold on for a 5-3 game two victory.
Senior lefty Matt Rottmann had his best day as a Bulldog on the mound, going four complete innings while surrendering three runs (two earned) on six hits and striking out three, while only walking two Tigers.
The Bulldogs received solid outings from three freshman pitchers who combined for three scoreless innings and allowed on one base hit. Freshman Peyton McLauchan was able to wiggle out of a bases loaded and no outs jam in the fifth inning by inducing two fly balls and striking out Doane's Evan Garner looking to strand the tying run on second.
Troy Kane and Jacob Yurich then held the Tiger bats quiet in the sixth and seventh innings to preserve the Bulldog victory. Yurich picked up his first career save in the win.
Offensively the Bulldogs were led by sophomore center fielder Nate Schmoll with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate. Schmoll also scored two runs for Concordia. Jack Holmberg and BJ Juelfs each went 1-for-3 with two RBI.
The Bulldogs will next be in action April 19 as they head to Sioux Center, Iowa for a 2 p.m. double header with the Dordt College Defenders.
Walk-off homerun powers Mustangs to sweep Bulldogs
20 APR 2008
The Concordia University baseball team dropped a close double header Sunday in GPAC action against Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. With the losses the Bulldogs will need to sweep Midland and Hastings in the upcoming weekend and need some other teams to be swept to have a chance at making the field of eight for the GPAC post season tournament.
Concordia (7-32, 6-14 GPAC) led game one 10-8 heading to seventh inning powered by back-to-back homeruns by Jack Holmberg and BJ Juelfs but Morningside would take the game in bottom of the seventh. Morningside's Brett Hoch led off the seventh with a double, he advanced to third on a single by Jason Engleman. The game then ended on a walk-off home run by David Manceaux off of the Bulldog closer, freshman Jacob Yurich as Morningside took game one 11-10.
In game two, Morningside (22-13, 12-8 GPAC) scored three runs a piece in each of the first three innings to take an early 9-0 lead that the Bulldogs just couldn't battle back from. Concordia would cut the lead to 9-7 but that is the closest the Bulldogs would get as Morningside would complete the sweep with an 11-8 game two victory.
The Bulldogs Matt Rottmann took the loss in game two for the Bulldog pitching staff, moving his record to 2-3 on the season. Offensively in game two the Bulldogs were led by junior first baseman Ben Ahlman who went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI.
The next action for the Bulldogs comes this weekend as they head to Fremont, Neb. on April 25 for a 4 p.m. double header with Midland before returning to Seward, Neb. for the final home series of the season against Hastings on April 26. The Hastings games are set for a 1 p.m. first pitch.
Broncos spoil final home series
26 APR 2008
The Concordia University baseball team had its senior day and final home series of the 2008 season spoiled as the Hastings College Broncos were able to sweep two games from the Bulldogs at Plum Creek Park in Seward, Neb., Sunday.
In game one the Bulldogs out hit the Broncos 9-5 but were outscored by one, 5-4 as Concordia stranded six runners on base. Trailing 5-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning the Bulldogs got a lead off single from junior shortstop Casey Rodriguez, followed by Nate Schmoll who reached on an error by the Hastings third baseman. Both runners were brought in on back-to-back singles by Jack Holmberg and BJ Juelfs.
After Hastings made a pitching change the Bulldogs offense went cold. Concordia did not put another runner on base and fell one run short. Senior Matt Rottmann was tagged with the loss in game one as he finished giving up five runs (all earned) on five hits while walking two.
Juelfs led the Bulldog offense going 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBI, while Rodriguez finished game one going 2-for-4 with a triple.
In game two, the Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Jake Roberts led off with a single and later scored on a double by Schmoll. Concordia failed to move a base runner past second base the rest of the game.
Hastings came back and tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth and took the lead for good with a two run home in the top of the fifth. Sophomore John Couch was credited with the loss as he went five and one third innings allowing three runs (all earned) on four hits while walking two.
Schmoll led the Bulldog offense in game two going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
The Bulldogs end the season 8-35, 7-17 in the GPAC and will miss out on the GPAC postseason play for the third season in a row. With a young club the Bulldogs look to rebound for 2009.
Four Bulldogs earn honors, Juelfs named to second-team
5 MAY 2008
Four different players from the Concordia University, Nebraska baseball team were honored on the 2008 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) All-Conference team. The list, released on Monday afternoon, consists of 17 first-team members, 17 second-team members and an honorable mention list.
Senior outfielder BJ Juelfs was named to the second-team while Nate Schmoll (OF), Casey Rodriguez (SS) and Jack Holmberg (Util) were all tabbed honorable mention selections.
Juelfs (Ft. Collins, Colo.) led Concordia with a .357 batting average. He also had the team highs in hits (50) and RBIs (28). In addition, he had 10 extra-base hits: seven doubles, one triple and two home runs as well as a slugging percentage of .464. On top of his offensive numbers, Juelfs also had a fielding percentage of .908 while serving as the starting right fielder for the Bulldogs.
Rodriguez (Parker, Colo.), a junior, was the second leading hitter for Concordia, finishing with a .333 average. He also had a .959 fielding percentage with only six errors while splitting time between shortstop and second base.
Schmoll (Englewood, Colo.), a sophomore, hit .327 during the season, drove in 22 runs and had 12 extra-base hits: eight doubles, two triples, and two homeruns.
Holmberg (Westcliffe, Colo.) a junior, was second on the team in RBIs (26) and slugging percentage (.458) while splitting time between first base, third base and designated hitter.