2012 - Baseball schedule/results
25-28 Overall, 10-10 GPAC - view stats for season
FEBRUARY | |||||
| Feb. 18 | Bethany College (2) | Lindsborg, Kan. | L, 1-2, W, 9-8 | ||
| Feb. 19 | Bethany College (2) | Lindsborg, Kan. | L, 5-11, W, 10-1 | ||
| Feb. 24 | Mid-America Nazarene Univ. (2) | Olathe, Kan. | L, 2-3, L, 6-7 | ||
| Feb. 25 | Mid-American Nazarene Univ. (2) | Olathe, Kan. | L, 6-16, W, 6-4 | ||
MARCH | |||||
| March 2 | Oklahoma Wesleyan University (1) (played at Bill Doenges Memorial Stadium) | Bartlesville, Okla. | L, 1-10 | ||
| March 2 | Missouri Valley College (1) (played at Bill Doenges Memorial Stadium) | Bartlesville, Okla. | L, 2-3 | ||
| March 3 | Missouri Valley College (1) (played at Oklahoma Wesleyan Campus Field) | Bartlesville, Okla. | W, 8-4 | ||
| March 3 | Oklahoma Wesleyan University (1) (played at Oklahoma Wesleyan Campus Field) | Bartlesville, Okla. | L, 2-6 | ||
| March 6 | Manhattan Christian College (2) | Manhattan, Kan. | W, 8-3, | ||
| RussMatt Baseball Invitational-March 10-17 | |||||
| March 10 | Viterbo University (WIs.) | Winter Haven HS | W, 2-1 | ||
| March 10 | Trinity Christian College (Ill.) | Winter Haven HS | L, 3-7 | ||
| March 12 | Roosevelt University (Ill.) (1) | Lake Myrtle Park #2 | W, 15-2 | ||
| March 13 | Roosevelt University (Ill.) (2) | Pat Thomas Stadium | W, 9-3, W, 6-5 | ||
| March 16 | Huntington University (Ind.) (2) | Walter Fuller Complex #3 | W, 4-2, W, 4-2 | ||
| March 17 | Northwood University (Mich.) (1) | Chain of Lakes Park #5 | L, 0-5 | ||
| March 24 | Valley City State College (2) | Seward, Neb. | L, 1-5, W, 8-7 (8) | ||
| March 25 | Valley City State College (2) | Seward, Neb. | W, 13-6, | ||
| March 27 | York College (2) | York, Neb. | L, 1-6, L, 3-5 | ||
| March 31 | Briar Cliff University* (2) | Seward, Neb. | L, 3-4, W, 14-1 | ||
APRIL | |||||
| April 1 | Dakota Wesleyan University* (2) | Seward, Neb. | L, 0-6, W, 9-4 | ||
| April 3 | York College (2) | Seward, Neb. | L, 4-7, L, 2-6 | ||
| April 6 | Doane College* (2) | Crete, Neb. | L, 1-6, L, 1-4 | ||
| April 7 | Midland University* (2) | Seward, Neb. | W, 6-0, W, 12-4 | ||
| April 11 | Nebraska Wesleyan University (1) | Lincoln, Neb. | L, 0-2 | ||
| April 14 | Dordt College* (2) | Sioux Center, Iowa | L, 0-1, W, 8-1 | ||
| April 17 | Mount Marty College* (2) | Seward, Neb. | W, 5-3, L, 5-8 | ||
| April 18 | Peru State College* (2) | Seward, Neb. | Cancelled | ||
| April 21 | Northwestern College* (2) | Orange City, Iowa | W, 1-0, L, 3-4 (9) | ||
| April 22 | Morningside College* (2) | Sioux City, Iowa | W, 11-5, L, 4-5 (8) | ||
| April 28 | Nebraska Wesleyan University* (2) | Seward, Neb. | W, 6-5 (8), L, 2-5 | ||
| April 29 | Hastings College* (2) | Hastings, Neb. | L, 0-6, W, 4-1 | ||
MAY | |||||
| GPAC Tournament | |||||
| May 3 | % vs. No.3 Nebraska Wesleyan | Lincoln, Neb. | L, 1-3 | ||
| May 3 | % vs. No. 2 Morningside | Lincoln, Neb. | L, 3-8 | ||
*Indicates Great Plains Athletic Conference Games
% vs. GPAC Tournament
All Home Games in BOLD
2012 Roster
No. | Name | B/T | Pos. | Ht. | Yr. | Hometown |
1 | Paul Rowlett | R/R | RHP | 6-3 | Sr. | Lodgepole, Neb. |
2 | Martin Rodriguez | R/R | OF | 5-10 | Sr. | Tucson, Ariz. |
3 | Kyle Ivanoff | R/R | SS | 5-11 | Jr. | Tucson, Ariz. |
4 | Tate Bedwell | R/R | 3B | 6-0 | Sr. | Colorado Springs, Colo. |
6 | Alex Murphy | R/R | RHP | 6-1 | Jr. | North Las Vegas, Nev. |
7 | Eric Ellison | L/R | OF/1B | 6-2 | So. | Bennington, Neb. |
8 | Anthony Flores | R/R | DH/2B | 5-9 | Sr. | Craig, Colo. |
9 | Joe Brandenburg | L/R | DH/LHP | 5-11 | So. | Waconia, Minn. |
10 | Andrew Yerrell | R/R | 2B | 5-9 | Fr. | Santa Fe, Texas |
11 | Miles Barrow | R/R | OF | 5-9 | Jr. | Yamhill, Ore. |
12 | Heath Benker | R/R | RHP | 6-1 | So. | Florence, Colo. |
13 | Josh Anderson | R/R | RHP | 6-3 | Sr. | Westminster, Colo. |
14 | Sean McCartney | R/R | C | 5-10 | Fr. | Greeley, Colo. |
15 | John-Jay Silva | L/L | LHP | 6-2 | Fr. | Thornton, Colo. |
16 | Brandon Pflug | R/R | 1B | 6-3 | Sr. | Ft. Morgan, Colo. |
17 | Zach Cambier | R/R | C/1B | 6-0 | Fr. | Castle Rock, Colo. |
18 | Michael Hodges | R/R | RHP | 6-5 | Fr. | Colorado Springs, Colo. |
19 | Ryan George | R/R | C/DH | 6-2 | Sr. | Urbandale, Iowa |
20 | Nick Thill | R/R | RHP | 6-1 | Jr. | Littleton, Colo. |
21 | Zak Goodrich | R/R | OF | 5-8 | Sr. | Lutz, Fla. |
22 | Morgan Capen | R/R | C/OF | 5-10 | Fr. | Tampa, Fla. |
23 | Zach English | R/R | 3B/RHP | 5-10 | Fr. | Greeley, Colo. |
24 | Matt Chambers | L/L | LHP | 5-11 | Jr. | Lakewood, Wash. |
25 | Daniel Wilkerson | R/R | 3B/DH | 5-9 | Fr. | Santa Fe, Texas |
26 | Nolan Schaefer | R/R | 1B/DH | 6-1 | Jr. | Lincoln, Neb. |
27 | Steven Ivanoff | R/R | RHP | 6-1 | Sr. | Tucson, Ariz. |
28 | Jeremiah Luber | R/R | RHP | 6-0 | Jr. | Waverly, Neb. |
29 | Nathan Radic | R/R | 1B/OF | 5-11 | Fr. | Parker, Colo. |
30 | Ray Finley | R/R | C | 5-9 | Jr. | Tucson, Ariz. |
31 | Jordan Ahl | R/R | RHP | 6-2 | Jr. | Fairbury, Neb. |
32 | Josh Nance | L/L | OF | 6-0 | Sr. | Brighton, Colo. |
33 | Tim Fosmo | R/R | RHP | 6-0 | So. | Douglas, Wyo. |
35 | Ryan Chase | R/R | OF | 5-9 | Fr. | Littleton, Colo. |
36 | Jordan Stirtz | R/R | RHP | 6-0 | Jr. | Gretna, Neb. |
37 | Marty Trainor | R/R | IF/OF | 5-9 | Fr. | Thornton, Colo. |
39 | Ross Land | R/R | 1B/DH | 6-3 | Jr. | Longview, Texas |
40 | Kyle Godfrey | R/R | RHP | 6-5 | Fr. | Firestone, Colo. |
41 | Austin Velasquez | R/R | 2B | 5-7 | So. | Littleton, Colo. |
42 | Tyler Mattlin | R/R | OF | 6-0 | So. | Odessa, Mo. |
43 | Cole Stuerke | R/R | IF | 6-0 | Fr. | Lakewood, Colo. |
44 | Silas Stewart | R/R | OF | 5-7 | So. | Tucson, Ariz. |
45 | Spencer Sander | L/R | 2B | 5-10 | Fr. | Jackson, Mo. |
46 | Tucker Epp | R/R | OF | 6-1 | Fr. | Blue Springs, Neb. |
48 | Micah Thiessen | R/R | 3B | 5-11 | Fr. | Lincoln, Neb. |
50 | Kyle Hamburger | R/R | SS | 5-8 | So. | Hastings, Neb. |
51 | Ethan Utecht | R/R | C/3B | 5-11 | Fr. | Valentine, Neb. |
53 | Brandon Wood | R/R | 1B/RHP | 5-11 | So. | Polk, Neb. |
54 | Joel Newton | R/R | OF | 6-3 | So. | Rockford, Ill. |
55 | Zachary Morgan | R/R | RHP | 6-5 | Fr. | Deer Park, Texas |
56 | Daniel Ullman | R/R | C | 5-10 | Fr. | Arvada, Colo. |
57 | Zack Kollbaum | R/R | OF | 5-11 | Fr. | Cole Camp, Mo. |
58 | Ryan Lane | L/R | C/1B/DH | 6-1 | So. | Mayer, Minn. |
59 | Austin Knoblock | R/R | C | 5-8 | Fr. | Yates Center, Kan. |
2012 - Coaching staff
Head Coach: Jeremy Geidel
Assistant coach: Rich Eber
Assistant coach: John Couch
Assistant coach: Michael Moore
Student assistant coach: Ty Shaw
Bulldogs selected seventh in GPAC preseason poll
25 JAN 2012
The 2012 GPAC preseason baseball coaches’ poll was released on Wednesday. The Bulldog baseball team was selected to finish seventh. The complete poll is listed below. This year’s GPAC baseball season will consist of 20 games (10 doubleheaders) and will conclude with the GPAC Postseason Tournament from May 3-5 at Haymarket Park in Lincoln. Concordia was 19-28 overall and 9-13 in GPAC play last season.
2012 GPAC Coaches’ Poll
1. Doane College – 96 Points (eight first place votes)
2. Northwestern College – 91 Points (three first place votes)
3. Hastings College – 74
4. Morningside College – 70
5. Mount Marty College – 69
6. Midland University – 63
7. Briar Cliff University – 35
7. Concordia University – 35
9. Dakota Wesleyan University – 31
9. Nebraska Wesleyan University – 31
11. Dordt College - 10
Concordia opens season with doubleheader split
18 FEB 2012
The Bulldogs of Concordia University (Neb.) traveled to Lindsborg, Kan. to open their season, splitting a doubleheader with the Bethany Swedes. Concordia dropped the opening game, 2-1, but rallied for a 9-8 win in the nightcap. The Bulldogs are now 1-1 on the season, while the Swedes moved to 3-1 on the season.
The first game of the year featured a pitcher's duel between Concordi junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) and Bethany's Morgan Heiman.
Despite Stirtz's strong effort, Bethany pushed across single runs in both the second and fourth innings on a combined two hits, one walk and an error to build a 2-0 lead.
Heiman, meanwhile, scattered six hits and a walk over 4.2 innings to earn the victory (1-0). Stirtz was the tough luck loser (0-1) surrendering two runs (one earned) on five hits, one walk and two strikeouts in six innings.
The second game featured significantly more offense as seven Bulldogs delivered at least one RBI to pace Concordia to a 9-8 win. Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) led the offensive barrage going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.
The two teams battled back and forth, with Concordia notching a single run in the first, three runs in the third and two more in both the fourth and sixth innings. Bethany notched single runs in the second and third frame and put up three runs in both the fifth and the sixth inning to send the game to seventh tied at 8-8.
In that final frame, Concordia struck the decisive blow as junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) reached on an error to get things going. Two batters later, Finley raced home from second on a single into left field by senior Tate Bedwell (Colorado Springs, Colo.) to give Concordia a 9-8 advantage.
Senior Josh Anderson (Westminster, Colo.) tossed a perfect seventh to preserve the game, earning his first save of the season. Sophomore hurler Heath Benker (Florence, Colo.) pitched out of a jam in the sixth inning earn the victory (1-0). Bethany's Trenton Terrill (0-1) took the loss, allowing one run on two hits in one inning of work.
The Bulldogs play another double header tomorrow Sunday, Feb. 19th. They will play once again against the Bethany Swedes at noon and 2pm.
Bulldogs split second straight doubleheader with Bethany College
19 FEB 2012
For the second straight day, Concordia University, Nebraska, and Bethany College split a doubleheader when the two baseball teams collided on Sunday, Feb. 19. Bethany took the first game 11-5, while Concordia grabbed the nightcap, 10-1.
Concordia moved to 2-2 on the season, while Bethany is now 4-2.
Game One: Bethany 11, Concordia 5
Bethany opened the game on fire offensively, scoring two in the first, one in the second and six runs in the third inning to build a 9-1 lead.
Trailing 11-2 in the top of the fifth, the Bulldog offense plated three runs on five walks and a single, but it was to large of a deficit to overcome.
Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) led the Concordia offense with a 2-for-4 day, with an RBI and a run scored.
Bulldog starter senior Steven Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) suffered the loss, allowing nine runs on seven hits and three walks in 2.2 innings to fall to 0-1 on the season. Bethany's Montana Prim (1-0) earned the win, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk in five innings. Prim also notched 10 strikeouts in the win.
Game Two: Concordia 10, Bethany 1
Concordia turned the tables on the Swedes in the second contest, scoring seven runs in the opening three frames.
The Bulldogs' offense went to work with one out in the top of the first behind consecutive singles from freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas), senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) and junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.). Finley's single to center chased home Yerrell to make it 1-0. Flores scored later in the inning on a fielder's choice by freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas).
Leading 2-1 as the third inning began, Concordia added five runs on three singles and two Swede errors to push the lead to 7-1. The big hit of the inning came courtesy of junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.), who drove a two-run single into center field.
Freshman Kyle Godfrey (Firestone, Colo.) offered a dominant performance for the Bulldogs on the mound, tossing a complete game to earn the victory (1-0). Godfrey limited Bethany to one run on four hits and walk in seven innings.
The loss went to Bethany's Ryan Gunther (0-1) as he gave up eight runs on 12 hits in five innings.
Concordia returns to action on Friday, Feb. 24 as the Bulldogs begin a four-game series with Mid-America Nazarene.
Concordia drops two against Mid-America Nazarene
24 FEB 2012
The Concordia University (Neb.) Baseball team suffered a doubleheader sweep at the hands of Mid-America Nazarene on Friday, Feb. 24, falling 3-2 and 7-6. The losses dropped the Bulldogs to 2-4 on the season, while the Pioneers moved to 5-2.
Trailing 2-0 entering the top of the sixth of the first game, the Bulldogs got back-to-back singles from senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) and freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas). Senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) followed with a double down the left field line to plate Goodrich, making it 2-1. One out later, Yerrell scampered home on a sacrifice fly off the bat of senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) knotting the game at two.
Unfortunately Concordia couldn't grab the lead and the Pioneers pushed across the game winning run in the bottom of the seventh on two singles and two walks. Junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) suffered teh loss, allowing three runs on four hits and five walks in 6.1 innings. Stirtz (0-2) also notched three strikeouts. Pioneer reliever Justin Higgins (1-0) picked up the win, with two innings of scoreless relief.
Game two was another tough pill for the Bulldogs. Concordia raced out to a 6-2 lead by the top of the third inning thanks to six hits and two Mid-America errors. Goodrich delivered the biggest hit in the third inning, lining a two-run double down the right field line to push the lead to four runs.
The Pioneers, however, came back with two runs in the bottom of the third to make it 6-4 and scored three runs on five hits in the bottom of the sixth to claim the game.
Concordia sophomore reliever Heath Benker (Florence, Colo.) suffered the loss (0-1) alllowing the final run on three hits and a walk in one inning of work. Kanon Hoover (1-0) picked up the win for Mid-America Nazarene with 4.1 innings of scoreless relief.
The Bulldogs and Pioneers will complete their four game series on Saturday, Mar. 25 with another doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
Bulldogs earn a split with 6-4 win in series finale against Mid-America Nazarene
25 FEB 2012
Facing a series sweep the Concordia University (Neb.) Baseball team closed the series with Mid-America Nazarene Pioneers in strong fashion, earning a 6-4 win in the second game of a double-header and the series finale on Saturday, Feb. 25 in Olathe, Kan. The first game of the day saw the Pioneers down the Bulldogs, 16-6.
Following Saturday's action Concordia is 3-5 on the season, while Mid-America Nazarene moved to 6-3 overall.
The first game on Saturday saw the Pioneers jump out to a quick 5-0 lead in the first two innings, but Concordia responded with two runs in the top of the third inning on a clutch two-out two-run double into left center from senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.).
Unfortunately the Pioners added eight runs in the bottom of the fourth and three more in the fifth inning to build a 16-2 edge. The Bulldogs gave a valiant effort in the top of the seventh, plating four runs on three hits, including a two-run double by senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.), but the deficit was too much to overcome.
Senior Steven Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) suffered the loss (0-2), allowing nine runs (five earned) on eight hits and one walk. The Pioneers' Kyle Olson (1-1) nabbed the win, giving up two runs on six hits in six innings.
In game two the Bulldogs took a page from the Pioneers, grabbing an early lead and putting the game out of reach in the closing frame. Concordia kicked off the game with three runs in the top of the first inning. Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) and freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) drew walks to kick off the game, then advanced to second and third on a wild pitch. Pflug reached on an error, sending Goodrich home and Yerrell to third. Yerrell came in to score on an RBI groundout off the bat junior Nolan Schaefer (Lincoln, Neb.), and Pflug scampered home on an RBI single by senior Tate Bedwell (Colorado Springs, Colo.) to make it 3-0.
The Pioneers responded with two runs on two hits and a Concordia error in the bottom of the third to bring the score to 3-2.
The game remained 3-2 entering the top of the seventh, when the Bulldogs' offense reignited. Once more it was Goodrich and Yerrell providing the spark. With one out, Goodrich drew his second walk of the game, then Yerrell followed with a bunt single down the first base line. After a pitching change, Pflug scalded a single through the left side to plate Goodrich. Freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas) came on to pinch hit and blasted a two-run double down the right field line to push the Bulldogs lead to 6-2.
In the final frame, junior Nick Thill (Littleton, Colo.) battled through a spirited effort from the Pioneers to preserve the win, 6-4.
Freshman Kyle Godfrey (Firestone, Colo.) earned the win (2-0) by holding Mid-America Nazarene to just two runs on five hits and two walks in five innings. The Pioneers' Trent Hedlund took the loss (1-1) allowing five runs (four earned) on three hits and three walks in 6.1 innings pitched.
The Bulldogs are back in action on Friday, Mar. 2 as Concordia faces Oklahoma Wesleyan and Missouri Valley College in a split doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
Bulldogs nab fifth straight behind a doubleheader sweep of Huntington, 4-2 & 4-2
16 MAR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball continued to roll by sweeping a doubleheader from Huntington University on Friday, March 16. With one game remaining in the RussMatt Invitational, the Bulldogs have a 6-1 record on the trip to Florida.
Following Friday's action, the Bulldogs are in the midst of a season-high five-game winning streak and have moved to 12-9 this season. Huntington University, meanwhile, fell to 4-9.
Game One: Concordia 4, Huntington 2
The Bulldogs fell behind 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning, but got back on track in the top of the third with two runs on two hits and an error.
Junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) led off the third with a single to left, then courtesy runner sophomore Joe Brandenburg (Waconia, Minn.) moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.). Two batters later, freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) lifted an RBI single to right to tie the game at 1-1. The next batter, senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) reached on an error, allowing senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.) to score and give Concordia the lead. Rodriguez had reached base on a fielder's choice.
Huntington quickly tied the game at 2-2 with a run in the bottom of the third and it stayed that way until the top of the sixth.
Once more the Bulldogs got a lift from Finley as he doubled into left-center. Brandenburg came on again, then Ivanoff moved him to third with a sac bunt down the first base line. Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) drew a walk, then stole second to put two Bulldogs in scoring position. Finally, Rodriguez connected for a two-run single to provide the eventual game-winning runs.
Senior Steven Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) earned the victory (3-2), limiting Huntington to two runs (one earned) on seven hits over seven innings. Huntington's Xyan Adkisson took the loss (2-1), giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks in 5.1 innings.
Game Two: Concordia 4, Huntington 2
The Bulldogs found themselves down 1-0 after the first inning a second time, but rallied with a run in the third and three in the fifth to sweep the doubleheader.
Ivanoff scored Concordia's first run in the third after getting hit by a pitch. He went to second on a sacrifice by freshman Sean McCartney (Greeley, Colo.), then went to third on an infield single by senior Josh Nance (Brighton, Colo.). Goodrich plated Ivanoff on a double down the right field line to make it 1-1.
In the fifth it was Ivanoff that gave the Bulldogs the lead with a sacrifice fly. Junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) followed with a two-run double into right-center to provide insurance for Concordia.
Junior Jeremiah Luber (Waverly, Neb.) earned the victory (1-0) working a scoreless fifth out of the pen, while senior Josh Anderson (Westminster, Colo.) allowed one run on three hits in the seventh to earn his third save of the season.
Huntington's Blake Hohlbein suffered the loss (0-1), allowing three runs on two hits and two walks in 2.1 innings of relief work.
Concordia wraps up play in the RussMatt Baseball Invitational in Florida on Saturday, March 17 in a single contest against Northwood University at 12 pm.
Concordia downed by Northwood, 5-0
17 MAR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball squad suffered a 5-0 defeat by the Northwood Timberwolves of NCAA Division II on Saturday, March 17.
The loss dropped Concordia to 12-10 on the season, while Northwood moved to 9-1.
The Concordia offense struggled against Northwood's Jordan Snider, managing just six hits over seven innings. The best scoring chances came in the second and third innings as Concordia got back-to-back hits, but base running missteps hurt the Bulldogs.
With one out in the second, junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) reached on an infield single with one out, then senior Tate Bedwell (Colorado Springs, Colo.) chased Finley to third on a single to left-center. Unfortunately Bedwell was picked off first moments later, then senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) flew out to left to end the inning.
The third inning saw junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) lead off with a double to right, then senior Josh Nance (Brighton, Colo.) put runners at the corners with an infield single. Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) loaded the bases by reaching on a fielder's choice, but Ivanoff was picked off third on the next pitch and the Bulldogs were unable to score.
Snider's seven innings of work earned him the victory (2-0), while Concordia junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) allowed four runs on eight hits to drop to 1-4 with the loss.
Concordia returns to action on Saturday, March 24 as the Bulldogs open their home schedule with a doubleheader against Valley City State University at 1 p.m.
Bulldogs split doubleheader with Valley City State
24 MAR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team opened its 2012 home season by splitting a doubleheader with Valley City State University on Saturday, March 24.
Valley City nabbed the opening game 5-1, then the Bulldogs salvaged the nightcap with an 8-7 win in eight innings.
Game One: Valley City State 5, Concordia 1
The first game of the season at Plum Creek Park got off to a rocky start as Valley City scored one run in the first and three in the third to build a 4-0 lead.
The Bulldogs got on the board in the bottom of the third as senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.) reached on an error the freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) blasted an RBI double into right field.
Unfortunately Concordia managed just two hits the rest of the way, falling 5-1. Bulldog starter, junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.), suffered the loss (1-5). Stirtz allowed four runs on eight hits and one walk in 2.1 innings.
The Vikings' Ronnie Blagg picked up the win (3-1) by limiting Concordia to one run on five hits and a walk in the complete game win.
Game Two: Concordia 8, Valley City State 7 (8 innings)
After losing a 7-1 lead, the Bulldogs rallied to salvage the second game with two clutch hits in the extra frame. Senior Tate Bedwell (Colorado Springs, Colo.) blasted a leadoff double off the left field fence to start the eighth. After moving to third on a sacrifice by senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.), junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) lined the game-winning single up the middle.
Concordia came out with a new determination and energy as game two began. The Bulldogs notched single runs in the first and second as senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) led off the game with a single to right-center. Two outs later senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) ripped an RBI single up the middle. In the second it was junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) getting to second an a two-base error, then Ivanoff delivered a two-out single down the right field line.
The Vikings cut Concordia's lead in half with a run in the top of the third, but the Bulldogs responded with five runs on three hits and an error in the bottom of the fifth. The big blow came with two outs. Finley lifted a two-run single into left field that skipped past Valley City State's Cliff Vazquez. The error by Vazquez sent Finley to third and accounted for another Concordia run. Bedwell followed with an RBI single to left to push the Concordia lead to 7-1.
Unfortunately the Vikings got three runs in both the sixth and the seventh innings to even the game up at 7-7 and send it into extra innings. Concordia junior reliever Nick Thill (Littleton, Colo.) held Valley City at bay in the eighth, setting the stage for the dramatic eighth.
Thill earned the win (2-0) with a perfect eighth inning. Valley City State's Alex Beach was tagged with the loss (0-1), allowing one run on three hits in 1.2 innings.
Concordia and Valley City State face off for another doubleheader on Sunday, March 25 beginning at 12 pm.
Concordia sweeps Valley City in a slug out followed by a pitcher's duel
25 MAR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team won both a slugfest and a pitcher's duel on Sunday, March 25. The Bulldogs swept a doubleheader over Valley City State University, 13-6 and 2-0.
Following Sunday's action Concordia is 15-11 this season, while Valley City State is 7-13.
Game One: Concordia 13, Valley City State 6
After falling behind in the second on a two-run blast by Casey Clark, the Concordia offense came alive with six runs in the third and five more in the fourth to build an 11-2 lead.
The most powerful weapon displayed by the Bulldogs in the third was patience. With one out in the inning, senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) was hit by a pitch. Senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.) sent Goodrich to second with a single to right center, finally freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) loaded the bases with a walk.
The first two Concordia runs came in as senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) was hit by a pitch, then senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) drew a bases loaded walk. One out later, freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas) cleared the bases with a three-run double. Junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) pushed the Concordia lead to 6-0 with an RBI single to center.
The Bulldogs added five more runs on three hits and an error in the fifth, highlighted by a two-run double from senior Tate Bedwell (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Concordia went on to push the lead to 13-3 with two more runs in the sixth and went on to claim the game, 13-6.
Bulldog starter, senior Steven Ivanoff, notched his fourth victory (4-2) of the season with his fourth complete game of the year. Ivanoff allowed six runs on 11 hits and one walk, while recording three strikeouts.
Valley City State's Derek Zitzow (1-2) took the loss, surrendering five runs on three hits and three walks in 2.1 innings.
Game Two: Concordia 2, Valley City State 0
The Bulldogs had to play a different style in game two as Concordia junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) and Valley City State's Taylor Nelson matched each other pitch-for-pitch.
Stirtz held the Vikings hitless through the first three innings, while Nelson held Concordia to one hit through two innings. In the bottom of the third, Nelson was able to work around two singles from Goodrich and Rodriguez to send the game to the fourth still scoreless.
Stirtz surrendered his first hit in the fourth, but continued with a perfect fifth.
Nelson, meanwhile, tossed a perfect fourth but ran into trouble in the fifth. With one out in the inning, Flores and Ivanoff singled to put runners at first and second. After a wild pitch advanced the Bulldogs ninety feet, Goodrich supplied all the offense necessary on a two-run double just inside the right field line.
In the sixth, Stirtz was helped out of a first and third jam by sophomore Heath Banker (Florence, Colo.). Then senior Josh Anderson (Westminster, Colo.) worked a one hit seventh for his fourth save of the season.
Stirtz moved to 2-5 on the year with 5.1 innings of shutout ball. Stirtz limited the Vikings to three hits and two walks in the win.
Valley City State's Nelson was dealt the loss (0-4), giving up two runs on six hits in six innings.
The Bulldogs return to the diamond on Tuesday, March 27 as they travel to York, Neb. for a doubleheader with No. 22 York College. First pitch is set for 4 pm.
Goodrich named GPAC Player of the Week
27 MAR 2012
Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) was named the Hauff Mid-America Sports Baseball Player-of-the-Week for March 19-25, 2012. Hauff Mid-America Sports is the presenting sponsor of the 2011-2012 GPAC Players-of-the-Week and Players and Coaches-of-the-Year awards program.
Goodrich's contributions helped the Bulldogs defeat Valley City State University three times in the four-game series between the clubs. On the season, the Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team is 15-11.
In the Bulldogs' four games last weekend, Goodrich was a combined 7-for-11 (.636) with two RBI and four runs scored. The leadoff hitter for Concordia, Goodrich was dominant in Concordia’s three victories, going 7-for-8 (.875). In addition to his contributions with the bat, Goodrich was hit twice and drew two walks in the four-game series, raising his on base percentage to .733.
Goodrich's biggest blow by came in the series finale as he provided the only offense with a two-run double down the right field line to lift Concordia to a 2-0 win on Sunday, March 25.
Concordia salvages split with Dakota Wesleyan
31 MAR 2012
After dropping the opening game of Sunday's doubleheader the Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team rallied to claim a split against Dakota Wesleyan on April 1. The Tigers took the first game 6-0, but Concordia took the second game 9-4 with five runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Following Sunday's action Concordia has a 17-17 record on the season and is 2-2 in GPAC play. Dakota Wesleyan moved to 13-20 overall and 2-2 in GPAC action.
Game One: Dakota Wesleyan 6, Concordia 0
The Bulldogs were stymied in game one by a stellar pitching performance by Dakota Wesleyan's Nick Pecha. The Tigers' Pecha scattered seven hits and a walk in a complete game shutout to move to 2-2 on the season.
Concordia starter, senior Steven Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.), matched Pecha pitch-for-pitch in the early going but that changed in the top of the third. After tossing two perfect innings, Ivanoff left a fastball up on the second pitch of the third inning as Dakota Wesleyan's Toby Kaplan. The result was a solo blast just inside the foul pole down the left field line.
Kaplan repeated the performance in the fifth, this time hammering an 0-2 pitch to virtually the same spot to boost the Tigers' lead to 3-0.
That was more offense than Pecha needed as the Bulldogs best threat came in the third. With two outs in the inning, Concordia loaded the bases on back-to-back singles by seniors Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) and Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.), then freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) was hit by a pitch. Unfortunately junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) was retired on a long fly out to left to end the threat.
Ivanoff suffered the loss (4-3) as he surrendered five runs on six hits in 5.1 innings.
Game Two: Concordia 9, Dakota Wesleyan 4
Tied 4-4 entering the bottom of the sixth, Concordia plated five runs on four hits to salvage a split to Sunday's doubleheader.
With one out in the sixth, Goodrich ignited the Bulldogs' rally with a double down the right field line. Rodriguez was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Both Concordia base runners advanced 90 feel on a wild pitch, then Yerrell drove a single through the left side to give the Bulldogs a 5-4 edge. A walk to Finley loaded the bases, then senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) dumped a single into right field to make it 6-4. One out later, junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) laced a single into right to chase home two more runs. The ball was misplayed in right, allowing Pflug to come in to score as well, giving Concordia a 9-4 lead.
The Bulldogs first four runs came via an RBI double by Yerrell in the first, a sac fly from junior Miles Barrow (Yamhill, Ore.), an RBI single by Goodrich in the second and an RBI single in the fourth from Yerrell.
Concordia splits GPAC opening doubleheader with Briar Cliff
31 MAR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team opened Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play on Saturday, March 31 by splitting a doubleheader with Briar Cliff. The Chargers took the first game 4-3, but Concordia exploded for a 14-1 win in the second game.
Following Saturday's action Concordia has a 16-14 record on the season and is 1-1 in GPAC play. Briar Cliff moved to 13-14 overall and 1-1 in GPAC action.
Game One: Briar Cliff 4, Concordia 3
Wins and losses often come down to just a few plays, such was the case for the Bulldogs in game one. Concordia starter junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) made two mistakes in a complete game effort. Unfortunately those two mistakes accounted for four runs.
Up 1-0 entering the third inning, the Stirtz retired the first hitter of the inning, then an error by junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) allowed Brendon Opsahl to reach. Stirtz issue a walk to the next batter, but recorded the second out of the inning on a sacrifice bunt. Briar Cliff's David Kowal made the most of his opportunity, smashing a 1-0 pitch over the wall in center field. Moments later, Brad Winkelman launched a 3-2 pitch for back-to-back home runs, giving Briar Cliff a 4-1 lead.
Stirtz limited the Chargers to one hit the rest of the way but suffered the loss (2-6). Stirtz finished the game allowing just three hits and two walks in seven innings.
Briar Cliff's Gary Davis earned the win (4-1), giving up three runs on six hits and four walks in 5.2 innings. Beau Brown picked up his eighth save of the season with a perfect 1.1 innings of relief.
Offensive the Bulldogs manufactured a run without a hit in the first and scored two in the third. Concordia, however, left eight runners on base and had another thrown out at the plate in the loss. Junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) and freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas) provided the majority of the Bulldogs thunder. Finley was 1-for-3 with two RBI, while Wilkerson finished 2-for-3 with two doubles.
Game Two: Concordia 14, Briar Cliff 1
The frustration of the first game was erased in game two as the Concordia unloaded in each of the first four frames. The Bulldogs scored three runs in the first and the second, then notched four runs in the third and fourth innings.
Finley kicked off the fireworks with a towering three-run home run in the bottom of the first. He delivered again in the second with a two-run single and finished game two, 3-for-4 with six RBI.
As a team, Concordia amassed 14 runs on 11 hits, five walks and four hit batters.
Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) was hit three times in the contest, scoring each time he was put on base.
Concordia freshman Michael Hodges (Colorado Springs, Colo.) nabbed his second win (2-1) of the season with a complete game, one hitter. Hodges held Briar Cliff to one unearned run on one hit and two walks, recording eight strikeouts in seven innings.
Briar Cliff's Dylan Romo suffered the loss (3-2) allowing six runs (four earned) on two hits and three walks in 1.1 innings. Romo was one of six Charger pitchers used in the game.
Concordia is back in action, tomorrow, April 1 as the Bulldogs host Dakota Wesleyan in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
Yerrell finished the day, 3-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored.
Junior reliever Nick Thill (Littleton, Colo.) tossed a scoreless sixth to earn the win (3-1), while senior Josh Anderson (Westminster, Colo.) worked a perfect seventh.
Dakota Wesleyan's Zac Custer (0-2) was tagged with the loss, allowing four runs on two hits in one-third of an inning.
The Bulldogs are back in action on Tuesday, April 3 as Concordia hosts in a doubleheader at Plum Creek Park beginning at 4 p.m.
Hodges earns GPAC Pitcher of the Week nod
3 APR 2012
Concordia University, Nebraska, freshman hurler Michael Hodges (Colorado Springs, Colo.) was named the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)/ Hauff Mid-America Sports Baseball Pitcher-of-the-Week (March 26 - April 1) on Tuesday, April 3.
Hodges allowed just one hit and one unearned run as he pitched a complete game in Concordia’s 14-1 victory over Briar Cliff on Saturday, March 31. For the game Hodges struck out eight batters and allowed just two walks. Concordia’s record now stands at 17-15 overall and 2-2 in the GPAC action.
This is second consecutive week that a Bulldog has claimed a GPAC/ Hauff Mid-America Sports award as senior Zak Goodrich was the Player-of-the-Week (March 19-25).
Hauff Mid-America Sports is the presenting sponsor of the 2011-2012 GPAC Players-of-the-Week and Players and Coaches-of-the-Year awards program.
Hodges and the Bulldogs return to action today as Concordia host York College in a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m.
Bulldogs swept by Panthers
3 APR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team suffered a doubleheader sweep by York on Tuesday,
April 3. The Panthers took the opener 7-4, then claimed game two, 6-2.
The losses dropped Concordia's record to 17-17 this season, while York moved to 22-14.
Game One: York 7, Concordia 4
After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Concordia bats rose to the challenge in the bottom half of the frame. Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) got things off to a great start with a leadoff double down the left field line. One out later, walks to juniors Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) and Nolan Schaefer (Lincoln, Neb.) loaded the bases.
Consecutive singles by senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) and junior Miles Barrow (Yamhill, Ore.) lifted Concordia to a 2-1 lead. With the bases still loaded and only one out, senior Josh Nance (Brighton, Colo.) pushed Concordia's lead to 3-1 on a sacrifice fly.
York answered back with three runs of their own in the second, but the Bulldogs pulled even at 4-4 in the second as freshman catcher Sean McCartney (Greeley, Colo.) led off the inning with a double to right-center. Courtesy runner, senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.) eventually scampered home from third on a wild pitch.
That, however, was the last of the offense that Concordia could muster.
On the mound it was the epitome of pitching by committee as the Bulldogs used eight pitchers in the first contest. Sophomore Tim Fosmo (Douglas, Wyo.) suffered the loss (0-1) as he gave up two runs on two hits and a walk without recording an out in the fourth inning.
York's Thomas Korn earned the win (2-3) with six innings of work. Korn allowed four runs on nine hits and four walks, while Matt Blaemire picked up his second save of the year with a hitless seventh inning.
Game Two: York 6, Concordia 2
Offensively, the Bulldogs were challenged, managing just two hits in the game. Both Concordia singles came back-to-back in the third resulting in the Bulldogs' first run.
Similar to game one, Concordia used a plethora of pitcher in the second game. Tied 1-1 as the game went into the fourth inning, York collected its first two hits and took advantage of two walks to build a 4-1 lead.
Following an unearned run by Concordia in the fifth, the Panthers added two insurance run in the top of the sixth to secure the win.
Concordia senior Paul Rowlett (Lodgepole, Neb.) took the loss, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks in 0.2 innings.
York's Cody Brumbaugh moved to 3-0 on the season after picking up the win. Brumbaugh limited Concordia to one run on two hits in four innings. Gene Felise worked a perfect seventh to earn his second save of the season.
The Bulldogs return to the diamond on Friday, April 6 as Concordia travels to Crete, Neb. to face Doane College in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Concordia's slide extended to four games with doubleheader loss to Doane
6 APR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team dropped a doubleheader to Doane College, 6-1 and 4-1, on Saturday, April 6.
Following the losses the Bulldogs are 17-19 this season and 2-4 in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play. Doane moved to 21-12 overall and 6-0 in GPAC action.
Game One: Doane 6, Concordia 1
Opportunities slipped past Concordia on multiple occasions in the 6-1 loss. The Bulldogs put runners on base in five of the seven innings, but were unable to come up with the big hit.
Concordia's best chance came in the top of the fourth, loading the bases with one out. Junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) got things started with a single to left field. After sophomore Joe Brandenburg (Waconia, Minn.) came on to run for Finley, senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) slapped a single through the left side. One out later, freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas) sent another single through the left side to load the bases. Unfortunately the next two Concordia hitters went down on strikes.
Doane, meanwhile, took advantage of its chances with four runs in the second and two more in the fifth to build a 6-0 lead.
Concordia got on the board in the top of the seventh as senior Tate Bedwell (Colorado Springs, Colo.) drove a single to center, moved to third on a single by senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) and scored on an RBI ground out by senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.).
Junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) took the loss (2-7) for the Bulldogs, allowing six runs on 10 hits and a walk in five innings. Doane's Chance Brull scattered eight hits and recorded 14 strikeouts in the complete game win (5-2).
Flores led Concordia's offense with a 2-for-3 day.
Game Two: Doane 4, Concordia 1
The Bulldogs' offense continued to struggle in game two, managing just three hits and an unearned run.
Finley, Rodriguez and junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) each notched singles in the loss.
Concordia freshman Michael Hodges (Colorado Springs, Colo.) suffered the loss (2-2), giving up four runs on eight hits and a walk in five innings. Doane's Elliott Engle moved to 6-1 with the win, holding Concordia to three hits while notching eight strikeouts in seven innings.
Concordia looks to return to the win column on Saturday, April 7 as the Bulldogs host Midland University for a GPAC doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
Ivanoff brothers and Wilkerson power Concordia past Midland
7 APR 2012
Led by a complete game shutout from senior Steven Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) and a three-run home from freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas), the Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team dominated Midland University, 6-0, in a game one of a doubleheader on Saturday, April 7.
Junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) delivered a 3-for-4 two RBI effort to lead the Bulldogs to a 12-4 in the second half of the doubleheader.
The victories evened the Bulldogs record at 19-19 on the season and 4-4 in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play. The Warriors, meanwhile, dropped to 9-25 overall and 4-4 in the GPAC.
Game One: Concordia 6, Midland 0
The Bulldogs jumped all over the Warriors in the bottom of the first, plating five runs on five hits.
Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) got things going with a single to center, Kyle Ivanoff sacrificed him to second, then freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) provided an RBI single to right field to make it 1-0. Junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) delivered a single into right, chasing Yerrell to third, then a double steal by courtesy runner sophomore Joe Brandenburg (Waconia, Minn.) and Yerrell pushed the Bulldogs lead to 2-0.
Senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) sent Brandenburg to third on Concordia's fourth consecutive single to right, setting the stage for Wilkerson. Sitting dead red with a 3-1 count, Wilkerson made the most of his opportunity by driving a fastball from Midland's Dillion Stockton over the right-center field wall to make it 5-0.
That was more than Steven Ivanoff needed as the right hander limited Midland to five hits in a complete game shutout. It was the fifth time in eight starts that he has gone the distance. Steven needed just 95 pitches to pick up his fifth win (5-3) of the year.
Stockton fell to 2-5, surrendering six runs on eight hits in six innings.
Game Two: Concordia 12, Midland 4
Concordia offense continued to roll in game two, putting three on the board in the second on four hits and two Midland errors. The key play came with one out and senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.) at third. Kyle Ivanoff dropped a perfect safety squeeze down the third base line for a single and to drive in Rodriguez.
Midland answered with three runs of their own in the top of the fourth and it stayed that way until the bottom of the fifth.
Flores got the Bulldog bats going in the fifth with a leadoff double down the left field line. Concordia went on to capitalize of a couple of Midland mental errors, grabbing a 6-3 lead. The Bulldogs added a ton of insurance in the bottom of the sixth, scoring six runs. The Bulldogs played station to station ball, sending 11 men to the plate and delivered six hits in the inning.
Sophomore Heath Benker (Florence, Colo.) came on to preserve the 4-4 tie with two-third of an inning of scoreless relief to earn the win (2-1). Midland's John Faulkner (1-1) was tagged with the loss as he allowed three runs on six hits in 2.2 innings of relief.
Concordia returns to action on Wednesday, April 11 as the Bulldogs travel to Lincoln, Neb. for a single non-conference game at Nebraska Wesleyan.
Concordia shutout by Nebraska Wesleyan, 2-0, in non-conference affair
11 APR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team suffered a 2-0 loss to Nebraska Wesleyan in a non-conference game on Wednesday, April 11.
Following the loss the Bulldogs are 19-20 on the season, while Nebraska Wesleyan moved to 9-15 overall.
Concordia was unable to take advantage of a strong performance from junior Jeremiah Luber (Waverly, Neb.) on the hill as the Bulldogs were limited to just three hits in the contest. Making just his third start of the season, Luber delivered a season-high 5.2 innings. He allowed only two runs (one earned) on six hits and one walk.
The Bulldogs bullpen was even better as three Concordia relievers held Nebraska Wesleyan to one hit in 2.1 innings.
Luber fell to 1-1 on the season with the loss, while Matt Schommer also moved to 1-1 with the win. Schommer held the Bulldogs to two hits and two walks in seven innings.
Concordia junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) had two of the Bulldogs' three hits, while freshman Sean McCartney (Greeley, Colo.) had the other.
The Bulldogs are back in action on Saturday, April 14 as Concordia faces Dordt College in a doubleheader in Sioux City, Iowa at 1 p.m.
Bulldogs split double-dip with Dordt
14 APR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team split a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) doubleheader with Dordt on Saturday, April 14. The Bulldogs dropped game one, 1-0, then regrouped for an 8-1 win in game two.
Following Saturday's action Concordia moved to 20-21 on the season and 5-5 in GPAC action. Dordt, meanwhile, is now 11-23 overall and 2-10 in conference play.
Game One: Dordt 1, Concordia 0
The Bulldogs' bats were held at bay by Dordt's Lucas Carls, managing just three hits in the 1-0 loss. Thanks to Carls' performance, Dordt grabbed all the offense they would need with a run on four hits in the top of the first.
Despite the limited hits, Concordia did have strong scoring opportunities. The Bulldogs loaded the bases in the fifth as senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) reached on an error to lead off the inning. Two outs later, senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) lifted a single to center to send Pflug to second. Junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) drew a walk to load the bases. Unfortunately freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) went down on strikes to end the threat.
Concordia also left two men on in the sixth, the Bulldogs left nine runners on base in the loss.
Junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) took the loss (2-8) as he allowed one run on eight hits in 3.1 innings.
Carls collected the win (5-2), allowing three hits and three walks in a complete game seven-inning shutout.
Game Two: Concordia 8, Dordt 1
The Bulldogs took out their offensive frustration in game two, plating eight runs on 12 hits.
Concordia's offensive production began in the third as the Bulldogs put three runs on the board. Senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) and junior Nolan Schaefer (Lincoln, Neb.) started things with back-to-back singles. Freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas) followed with a single to left to plate Flores. Pflug delivered an RBI ground out to boost the Concordia lead to 2-0, then Goodrich plated Wilkerson on a ball booted by the third baseman.
The Bulldogs tacked on insurance with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, then put the game out of reach with three more in the seventh.
Flores and Wilkerson each finished the game 3-for-4 with two RBI to lead the offense. Flores added two runs scores, while Wilkerson crossed the plate once.
Freshman Michael Hodges (Colorado Springs, Colo.) moved to 3-2 with the win, allowing one run on two hits and two walks in seven innings. Hodges recorded seven strikeouts, including two in the second and the sixth innings.
Dordt's Jake Slings took the loss, surrendering eight runs on 10 hits and three walks in 6.1 innings.
The Bulldogs return home on Sunday, April 16 as Concordia hosts Mount Marty for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
Poor field conditions push doubleheader with Mount Marty to Tuesday
15 APR 2012
The extreme weather over the weekend took its toll on the home field of Concordia University, Nebraska, Plum Creek Field. The baseball diamond was too saturated with rain to allow the scheduled Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) doubleheader between the Bulldogs and Mount Marty to be played today, Sunday, April 15.
The doubleheader has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 17 beginning at 11 a.m.
Bulldogs take first game with Mount Marty, but drop finale
17 APR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball program split two games with the Mount Marty Lancers on Tuesday, April 17. The Bulldogs took game one, 5-3, but dropped the second contest, 8-5.
Following Tuesday's action the Bulldogs are 21-22 on the season and 6-6 in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play. The Lancers moved to 15-24 overall and 4-8 in GPAC action.
Game One: Concordia 5, Mounty Marty 3
Trailing 2-0 entering the bottom of the second, the Bulldogs erased their deficit with three runs on three hits.
Freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas) got things rolling for Concordia with a one-out walk. Senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) followed with a single to center to put runners at first and second. After a fielder's choice by senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.) forced Wilkerson at third. Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) made it 2-1 with a bloop single into right field to drive in Pflug and chase Rodriguez to third. Moments later, Goodrich swiped second to put two runners in scoring position. Junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) took Goodrich's hint and laced a two-run single into right field, giving the Bulldogs a 3-2 lead.
Concordia added an insurance run in the fourth on a one-out single by Pflug, a two-out single by Goodrich that sent Pflug to third and an error by the Lancers catcher, Kyler Pekerak, as he tried to catch Pflug at third.
Mount Marty pulled back within a run at 4-3 in the fifth, but Concordia salted the game away on an RBI single from Rodriguez in the sixth.
Senior hurler, Steven Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.), earned his sixth victory of the season (6-3) with a strong performance. Ivanoff tossed 6.2 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits and striking out four.
Mount Marty starter Cassidy Darlington (3-3) took the loss, surrendering five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks in five innings.
Game Two: Mounty Marty 8, Concordia 5
The Lancers jumped out to an early 2-0 in the first inning on a two-run home run over the left field wall by Jason Schmidt.
Concordia answered with a single run in the bottom half of the frame on a one-out walk by Kyle Ivanoff, a double that one-hopped the left field wall by freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) and a sacrifice fly by junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.).
The score remained 2-1 until the Lancers tacked on a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth to push their lead to 5-1.
The Bulldogs responded in the bottom of the fifth, thanks in part to a Mount Marty error. Rodriguez pushed a single through the right side with one out, then Goodrich lifted a single into right field. Mount Marty's Mathias Godsil misplayed the ball, allowing Rodriguez to score and Goodrich to take third. The next batter, Ivanoff, drove home Goodrich with an RBI ground out to short to make it 5-3.
Concordia returned the favor, however, in the top of the sixth as a costly error by Ivanoff led to three Lancers' runs.
Trailing 8-3, Concordia plated two runs in the sixth but couldn't overcome the large deficit.
Concordia freshman Kyle Godfrey (Firestone, Colo.) suffered the loss (2-3) as he gave up five runs on seven hits and a walk in 4.2 innings.
Mount Marty's Allen Hemeyer countered with a complete game to move to 4-3 on the year. He allowed five runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk in seven innings.
The Bulldogs return to the diamond on Saturday, April 21 as Concordia travels to Orange, Iowa to play a doubleheader against Morningside at 1 p.m.
Bulldogs nab 1-0 win over Northwestern, fall in game two, 4-3, in nine innings
21 APR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team split a doubleheader with Northwestern on Saturday, April 21. The Bulldogs took game one, 1-0, with a run in the final frame. Game two continued to be a back and forth affair as Concordia fell 4-3 in nine innings.
Following the split, the Bulldogs are 22-23 on the season and 7-7 in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) action. The Red Raiders, meanwhile, are now 24-20 overall and 8-8 in the GPAC.
Game One: Concordia 1, Northwestern 0
The first game was a pitcher's duel featuring junior Jeremiah Luber (Waverly, Neb.) and Northwestern's Ryan Brasser. Concordia was held to just three hits through the first six innings, while the Red Raiders managed just four in the contest.
The game remained scoreless entering the bottom of the fifth, when Luber issued back-to-back two out walks to put runners at first and second.
Concordia head coach Jeremy Geidel didn't hesitate, calling sophomore Heath Benker (Florence, Colo.) from the bullpen. Benker responded by inducing an inning ending ground out. He also worked a scoreless sixth inning, sending it to the seventh still scoreless.
With one out in the seventh, senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.) dropped a bunt single down the third base line. Senior Tate Bedwell (Colorado Springs, Colo.) followed with a single into left field to send Rodriguez to second. Following a pitching change, senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) laced an RBI single into left to bring home Rodriguez.
In the seventh, Concordia turned to senior Josh Anderson (Westminster, Colo.) to close the game. Anderson delivered a perfect final frame to earn his fifth save, a Concordia single-season record.
Benker earned the win (3-1) with 1.1 innings of scoreless relief. Brasser fell to 5-3 with the loss, allowing one run on five hits and three walks in 6.1 innings.
Game Two: Northwestern 4, Concordia 3 (nine Innings)
Northwestern's offense returned to the field with something to prove in game two, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
Concordia chipped away at the deficit in the third, plating an unearned run on an RBI single from junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.).
The next two Bulldog at-bats featured stellar offense execution. In both the fourth and the fifth innings, Concordia converted a leadoff walk into a run via a sacrifice bunt and an RBI single. Rodriguez punched an RBI single to left field to knot the game at 2-2 in the fourth. In the fifth, junior Nolan Schaefer (Lincoln, Neb.) delivered a pinch-hit RBI single to boost Concordia to a 3-2 advantage.
Concordia held its 3-2 lead into the seventh, then turned things over to Anderson. Unfortunately Anderson surrendered the tying run on two hits to send the game to extra innings.
The Bulldogs appeared ready to reclaim the lead with back-to-back singles in the eighth, but Concordia could not come up with the clutch hit.
Northwestern took advantage, claiming the game with a run on three walks and a sacrifice fly in the ninth.
Senior Paul Rowlett (Lodgepole, Neb.) suffered the loss (0-3), allowing one run on two hits and a walk in one inning of relief.
Northwestern's Eddie Pantzlaff nabbed the win (2-2) with three innings of scoreless relief, limiting the Bulldogs to three hits.
The Bulldogs return to the diamond on Sunday, April 22 as Concordia faces Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa at 1:30 p.m. for a doubleheader.
Bulldogs explode for 11 runs to claim 11-5 win in game one, drop second game 5-4 (8)
22 APR 2012
An 11-run explosion in game one lifted the Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team to an 11-5 win over Morningside. The Mustangs, however, salvaged a split with a 5-4 (8) win in game two on Sunday, April 22 in Sioux City, Iowa.
Following Sunday's contests the Bulldogs are 23-24 on the season and 8-8 in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) action. Morningside moved to 33-17 overall and 11-5 in GPAC play.
Game One: Concordia 11, Morningside 5
Trailing 4-0 as the fourth inning began, the Bulldogs used five hits and three Morningside errors to take a 5-4 lead. Six of the first seven Concordia batters reached safely to open the fourth inning via five singles and a fielder's choice. The only out during that stretch was a sacrifice bunt. Nine Bulldogs went to the plate in the inning as Concordia batted around.
The offensive explosion continued in the fifth as senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) punched a singled to left field for the second consecutive inning. One out later, junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) beat out an infield single to put runners at first and third. As Ivanoff stole second, Morningside catcher, Brendan McCabe tried to catch Goodrich off third. The throw, however, was high and went down the left field line, allowing Goodrich to saunter home. Concordia went on to tack on two more runs in the inning on a sacrifice fly by junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) and a steal of home by senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.).
Concordia carried an 8-5 lead into the final frame and added three more insurance runs to wrap up the contest.
Senior Steven Ivanoff collected the win (7-3) for the Bulldogs, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and one walk in five innings.
The Mustangs' Storm Throne took the loss (5-4) as he was charged with eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits and one walk in 4.1 innings.
Concordia finished the game with 12 hits, led by a 3-for-4 day by Goodrich. Senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) was 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Game Two: Morningside 5, Concordia 4 (8)
The second meeting of the two teams was remained scoreless until top of the fourth. Concordia struck in its favorite frame of the fay on back-to-back singles by freshmen Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) and Sean McCartney (Greeley, Colo.). Junior Miles Barrow (Yamhill, Ore.) brought Yerrell in on a well-placed safety squeeze bunt to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 edge.
Concordia pushed its lead to 3-0 in the fifth as on a single by Ivanoff, an RBI triple from Pflug and the second sacrifice fly of the day by Finley.
Unfortunately starting pitcher, freshman Kyle Godfrey (Firestone, Colo.) was touched for four runs (two earned) in the bottom of the fifth. An error opened the floodgates for Morningside in the fifth as the Mustangs went on to claim the lead.
Trailing 4-3 as the seventh began, Concordia found one more push. Sophomore Joe Brandenburg (Waconia, Minn.) pinch hit to open the frame, reached on an error. Brandenburg went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Ivanoff, then scurried home on a single to left by Flores. Concordia held Morningside at bay in the seventh to send the game to extra innings, but the Mustangs scratched across an unearned run in the eighth thanks to a fielding error.
Junior Nick Thill (Littleton, Colo.) was a tough luck loser (3-2) for Concordia, allowing one run on three hits and a walk in 2.2 innings of relief.
Morningside's Alex Groth nabbed the win to move to 5-2 on the year. Groth allowed one run on two hits in two innings of work.
Yerrell led Concordia's offense with a 3-for-4 day at the plate.
Concordia returns to the diamond on Friday, April 27 as the Bulldogs travel to Hastings, Neb. for their final road doubleheader of the season against Hastings. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Concordia celebrates senior day with a split against Nebraska Wesleyan
28 APR 2012
Ten Bulldogs celebrated their final home games at Plum Creek Park on Saturday, April 28 with a split against Nebraska Wesleyan. Concordia took the first contest in extra innings, 6-5 (8), but dropped the finale, 5-2.
The split moved the Bulldogs to 24-25 on the season and 9-9 in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) games. Nebraska Wesleyan moved to 18-20 overall and 12-8 in GPAC action.
Game One: Concordia 6, Nebraska Wesleyan 5 (8)
Down 1-0 after the top of the first inning, Concordia displayed some strong offense fundamentals to pull even. Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) led the first off with a single through the left side. Goodrich moved to second on a sacrifice then went to third on a ground out. Senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) took advantage with an RBI single to left to knot the game at 1-1.
The Bulldogs used a similar plan to take the lead in the third as Goodrich led off with a ground rule double to right center. A bunt single from senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.) sent Goodrich to third, then junior Kyle Ivanoff executed a safety squeeze to give Concordia a 2-1 lead.
The Prairie Wolves bounced back with two runs in the fourth, but the deficit was short lived as Concordia pulled even in the bottom of the frame on a single by freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas), a sacrifice and an RBI single by senior Tate Bedwell (Colorado Springs, Colo.).
Concordia continued to put runs on the board in the fifth and the sixth as senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) delivered a sacrifice fly in the fifth, then Goodrich punched an RBI single to center in the sixth.
Unfortunately Nebraska Wesleyan would not role over, plating two runs in the seventh to tie the game.
Finally in the bottom of the eighth, the Concordia top of the lineup made certain the planned senior day festivities between games would be joyous. With one out, Goodrich completed a 5-for-5 day with a single to left center. A fielding error on a ball off the bat of Rodriguez put runners at the corners, then Ivanoff launched a ball off the center field wall to bring Goodrich home for the fourth time in the contest.
Ironically, senior Paul Rowlett (Lodgepole, Neb.) earned his first victory as a Bulldog in relief. Rowlett did not allow a hit in the eighth to move to 1-3 on the season.
Nebraska Wesleyan's Mike Lovgren fell to 2-4, allowing one run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning.
Game Two: Nebraska Wesleyan 5, Concordia 2
Concordia rode the wave of emotion from the senior day festivities to an early lead in the second game as the Bulldogs put two runs on the board in the second inning.
Flores got the rally going with a single to left. A sacrifice bunt by Pflug sent Flores to second. The Bulldogs' Texas connection did the rest as Yerrell lifted an RBI single through the left side, then freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas) smacked an RBI double to left.
Concordia's 2-0 lead, however, was short lived as the Prairie Wolves posted four runs on two hits, two errors and two hit batters in the top of the third to seize control of the game.
Nebraska Wesleyan starter Josh Ostrom limited the Bulldogs to just three hits the rest of the way to pick up his fifth win (5-4) of the season. Ostrom allowed two runs on seven hits in the game.
Concordia freshman Michael Hodges (Colorado Springs, Colo.) suffered the loss (3-3), allowing five runs (one earned) on five hits, one walk and two hit batters in four innings.
Goodrich led the Bulldogs offense again, finishing the game 2-for-4. Over the two contests he was 7-for-9 with four runs scored and an RBI.
Concordia concludes regular season play on Sunday, April 29 in Hastings, Neb. with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
Concordia closes out regular season with a split against Hastings
29 APR 2012
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team closed out the 2012 regular season with a split against Hastings College on Sunday, April 29. Concordia suffered a 6-0 defeat in game one, but closed the doubleheader with a 4-1 win.
Following Sunday's action, Concordia finished its regular season at 25-26 overall and 10-10 in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) action. Hastings, meanwhile, moved to 13-35 on the season and 6-14 in GPAC action.
Game One: Hastings 6, Concordia 0
The first game could have started worse as the Bulldogs went down in order in the top of the first, then Hastings opened their half with five consecutive hits. The Broncos went on to score five runs in the first off Concordia starter, senior Steven Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.)
Hastings added an unearned run in the second, while the Bulldogs offense struggled throughout the game. Concordia managed just four hits and only five base runners in the game.
Ivanoff dropped to 7-4 with the loss, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits and a walk in two innings. Hastings' Kirby Wells moved to 3-4 with a complete game shutout, limiting Concordia to four singles.
Game Two: Concordia 4, Hastings 1
Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) gave the Bulldogs a jump start in game two, opening the game with a single to center. Although that hit didn't yield any results, Goodrich tried again in the third, blasting a two-out double into left-center. This time Concordia made the most of the opportunity as senior Martin Rodriguez (Tucson, Ariz.) punched an RBI single to right. Rodriguez took second on the throw to the plate, then scored himself on an RBI single to left by junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.).
Hastings, however, came back with a run of its own in the bottom of the third on three singles. Fortunately Concordia freshman Kyle Godfrey (Firestone, Colo.) limited the damage to just one run by retiring the final two batters in the third on a pop up and a ground out.
The score remained 2-1 until the top of the seventh, when freshmen Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) and Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas) each delivered RBI singles to push the Bulldogs' lead to 4-1.
Senior Josh Anderson (Westminster, Colo.) worked a scoreless seven to preserve Concordia's win and pick up his sixth save of the year.
Godfrey allowed one run on seven hits, while striking out six over five innings to move to 3-3 overall. Hastings' John LaMaster took the loss (2-5), surrendering two runs on six hits over five innings.
The split left Concordia in a tie for sixth place in the GPAC. The Bulldogs finished tied with Mount Marty at 10-10. The two teams split two contests this season, but the Bulldogs were awarded the sixth seed in the GPAC Tournament due to a win over No. 2 seed, Morningside.
Concordia will face the No. 3 seeded Nebraska Wesleyan (18-20, 12-8) Prairie Wolves in the opening round of the GPAC Tournament on Thursday, May 3. Nebraska Wesleyan and Concordia met in a conference doubleheader in Seward, Neb. on Saturday, April 28. The Bulldogs took the first game 6-5 (8), but dropped the second contest, 5-2. The Prairie Wolves also bested Concordia in a non-conference meeting, 2-0, on April 11.
Bulldogs open GPAC Tournament with familiar foe, Nebraska Wesleyan
30 APR 2012
Concordia's 10-10 GPAC mark sends Bulldogs into GPAC Tournament as No. 6 seed
The Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team wrapped up its 2012 regular season with a 25-26 record and a 10-10 record in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) games. At 10-10 the Bulldogs finished tied with Mount Marty for sixth place overall. The two teams split two contests this season, but the Bulldogs were awarded the sixth seed in the GPAC Tournament due to a win over No. 2 seed, Morningside.
As a result, Concordia will face the No. 3 seeded Nebraska Wesleyan (18-20, 12-8) Prairie Wolves in the opening round of the GPAC Tournament on Thursday, May 3. The game will take place at Sherman Field in Lincoln, Neb. at 11:30 a.m.
Nebraska Wesleyan and Concordia met in a conference doubleheader in Seward, Neb. on Saturday, April 28. The Bulldogs took the first game 6-5 (8), but dropped the second contest, 5-2. The Prairie Wolves also bested Concordia in a non-conference meeting, 2-0, on April 11 in Lincoln, Neb.
Goodrich earns second GPAC Player of the Week award with .750 average
2 MAY 2012
Behind 12-for-16 week, Goodrich enters GPAC Tournament over .400
Senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.) is closing out his career at Concordia University, Nebraska, in style as the Bulldogs' leadoff hitter earned his second Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Player of the Week on Wednesday, May 2 for the week of April 23-April 29, 2012.
Goodrich finished the regular season going 12-for-16 at the plate for a .750 batting average. He recorded two doubles and five runs scored on the week and had a slugging percentage of .875. Goodrich was a perfect 5-5 against Nebraska Wesleyan on Saturday, April 28 helping the Bulldogs to a close 6-5 victory. Goodrich now has a .402 batting average on the season and Concordia's record now stands at 25-26.
Goodrich also earned the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Baseball Player of the Week honor on March 19-25, 2012.
Led by Goodrich, the Bulldogs open play in the GPAC Tournament on Thursday, May 3 as Concordia faces Nebraska Wesleyan in a first round game at 11:30 a.m. in Lincoln, Neb. at Sherman Field.
Hauff Mid-America Sports is the presenting sponsor of the 2011-2012 GPAC Players-of-the-Week and Players and Coaches-of-the-Year awards program.
Weather pushes back GPAC Tournament start time, Bulldogs to play at 2:15 pm
3 MAY 2012
Due to poor overnight weather conditions, the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Tournament baseball games for Thursday, May 3 have been altered. Games originally scheduled for Haymarket Park will be played as scheduled; however, games scheduled at Sherman Field are expected to be delayed by close to three hours.
The Bulldogs were originally scheduled to face Nebraska Wesleyan on Sherman Field at 11:30 a.m.; the scheduled start time for that game has been pushed back to 2:15 p.m. today.
All evening GPAC Tournament games have been adjusted to account for the late starts at Sherman Field. However the scheduled break time following the second game at Sherman Field has been removed.
The revised schedule is below.
GPAC Baseball Tournament
Haymarket Park (Hawks Field) and Sherman Field
Hosted by Nebraska Wesleyan and the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau
Thursday, May 3 (All games 7 innings)
Records (Overall, GPAC)
Gm. 1 - Haymarket Park - #1 Doane (32-17, 16-4) vs. #8 Briar Cliff (25-29, 9-11)
NOW - 9:15am -
Gm. 2 - Sherman Field - #2 Morningside (35-19, 13-7) vs. #7 Mount Marty (21-26, 10-10)
NOW - 11:30am (Updated at 9:15am) -
Gm. 3 -Sherman Field - #3 Nebraska Wesleyan (18-20, 12-8) vs. #6 Concordia (25-26, 10-10)
NOW - FOLLOWING NOON GAME -
Gm. 4 -Haymarket Park - #4 Dakota Wesleyan (23-30, 11-9) vs. #5 Northwestern (27-21, 11-9)
NOW - 11:45am -
Break at Sherman Removed
Gm. 5 - Haymarket Park - Winner Gm. 2 vs. Winner Gm. 3
NOW - Gametime TBA
Gm. 6 - Sherman Field - Winner Gm. 1 vs. Winner Gm. 4
NOW - Gametime TBA
Gm. 7 - Haymarket Park - Loser Gm 2 vs. Loser Gm. 3
NOW - Gametime TBA
Gm. 8 - Sherman Field - Loser Gm. 1 vs. Loser Gm. 4
NOW - Gametime TBA
Concordia falls to Nebraska Wesleyan in GPAC Tournament opener
3 MAY 2012
Bulldogs face second seeded Morningside in an elimination game at 8:30 p.m.
Three first inning runs proved too big a hill to climb as the Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball fell to Nebraska Wesleyan, 3-1, in the opening round of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Tournament on Thursday, May 3.
The loss dropped Concordia to 25-27 on the season, while Nebraska Wesleyan moved to 19-20 overall.
Concordia must now fight through the elimination bracket to continue its season. The Bulldogs first test will be the second seeded Morningside Mustangs, who dropped a 4-1 decision to Mount Marty early on May 3.
Senior Steven Ivanoff got off to a rocky start against Nebraska Wesleyan on Thursday as the second hitter of the game, Tanner Lewis, hit a solo home run over the left field wall to give the Prairie Wolves a 1-0 lead. Ivanoff walked the next batter, Alex Heideman, then surrender a single to center to Josh Ostrom. Heideman took third on the single, beating a thrown from Concordia’s Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.). Unfortunately the throw to third allowed Ostrom to advance to second. This proved costly when Beau Kelly drove a two-run single up the middle to push it to a 3-0 game.
After stranding two runners in the second, Concordia got themselves on the board in the second. Junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) led off with a sharp single to left, then was lifted for pinch runner, Joe Brandenburg (Waconia, Minn.). Brandenburg moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas). Concordia's next hitter, freshman Daniel Wilkerson (Santa Fe, Texas), made the most of the opportunity with a single through the left side to put runners at the corners. Brandenburg scored one out later on an error.
Nebraska Wesleyan's starter, Matt Schommer, made the 3-1 lead hold up as he slammed the door on the Bulldogs’' offense. Schommer allowed only three hits over the final five innings to move to 3-2 on the season. In the game, Schommer allowed one run on six hits and one walk.
Ivanoff rebounded to allow just three runs on seven hits and two walks in four innings in the loss (7-5).
Bulldogs season ends after 8-3 loss to Morningside at GPAC Tournament
3 MAY 2012
The 2012 season came to a close for the Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team on Thursday, May 3 as the Bulldogs were eliminated from the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Tournament following an 8-3 loss to second seeded, Morningside College.
Concordia finished the season with a 25-28 record, while Morningside moved to 36-20 on the season.
The Bulldogs went 0-2 in the GPAC Tournament, falling to Nebraska Wesleyan 3-1 in the opening round.
Morningside advances to face the tournament top seed, Doane, in an elimination game at Sherman Field on Friday, May 4 at 12:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs got this game off to the start they wanted as Concordia strung together four consecutive two-out singles to take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) got things started with a single to right. Senior Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.) sent Ivanoff to second on a single to center. Moments later, senior Brandon Pflug (Ft. Morgan, Colo.) punched an RBI single to center, then junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) delivered the fourth straight single, an RBI knock to center to push Concordia's lead to 2-0.
After Morningside inched closer with an unearned run in the top of the third, Concordia responded with a similar script to get the run back. Ivanoff laced a one-out single to right-center, stole second and scored on an RBI single to center by Pflug.
The Bulldogs held their 3-1 lead into the top of the sixth, when Morningside exploded for five runs on five hits and an error. The Mustangs statement took the wind out of Concordia as the Bulldogs went down in order in the sixth and the seventh. Morningside, meanwhile, added two insurance runs in the seventh to extend their lead to 8-3.
Concordia junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) suffered the loss (2-9) as he allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits, one walk and one hit batter in five innings.
Morningside's Britt Adams came on in relief to pick up his sixth win (6-3) of the season. Adams held Concordia to just two hits in the final four innings.
Nine Bulldogs recognized on All-GPAC baseball teams
9 MAY 2012
Goodrich leads the way with First Team honor and Gold Glove
Led by the All-GPAC First Team selection for senior Zak Goodrich (Lutz, Fla.), nine members of the Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team was recognized as members of the All-GPAC baseball teams.
Goodrich was Concordia's only First Team member, however, junior Ray Finley (Tucson, Ariz.) and freshman Andrew Yerrell (Santa Fe, Texas) were named to the All-GPAC Second Team. The six Bulldogs that earned All-GPAC Honorable Mention were seniors Josh Anderson (Westminster, Colo.), Anthony Flores (Craig, Colo.), Steven Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.), Martin Rodriquez (Tucson, Ariz.), junior Kyle Ivanoff (Tucson, Ariz.) and freshman Michael Hodges (Colorado Springs, Colo.).
Goodrich and Rodriguez also were named to the annual GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Baseball Gold Glove Team for center and left field, respectively. Goodrich finished the season with just one error in 118 chances (.992 fielding percentage), while Rodriguez did not make an error in 63 chances (1.000).
Goodrich had a standout senior season, leading Concordia in most offensive categories including batting average (.390), hits (69), runs scored (43), doubles (11), stolen bases (17) and slugging percentage (.463). Goodrich plans to continue his baseball career at the professional level for the Chicago Jets, signing with the independent rookie level team in mid-April.
Carrying the burden behind the plate, Finley was Concordia's most consistent power source this season, leading the Bulldogs with 29 RBI and tied for the team lead with two home runs. Finley also posted an impressive .311 batting average.
In just his first year, Yerrell appeared in 46 games and posted a .299 average on the year. Primarily serving as a designated hitter, Yerrell delivered 24 RBI and scored 26 runs.
The six Bulldogs receiving honorable mention also posted a strong 2012. Rodriguez finished the year third on the team with a .319 batting average, while Kyle Ivanoff led Concordia with 23 walks and was second on the team with 47 hits and a .320 batting average. Flores, meanwhile, finished the season with a .284 average, collecting 46 hits.
Anderson led the Concordia bullpen with a 1.75 ERA and six saves in 24 appearances. Steven Ivanoff and Hodges anchored the Bulldogs' rotation, combining for a 10-8 record. Steven Ivanoff led Concordia with 63.2 innings and tossed five complete games. Hodges finished his freshman campaign with a 3-3 mark and an impressive 2.96 ERA in 49.2 innings.
George, Nance and Stirtz named 2012 Daktronics-NAIA Baseball Scholar-Athletes
31 MAY 2012
Seniors Ryan George (Urbandale, Iowa), Joshua Nance (Brighton, Colo.) and junior Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.) of the Concordia University, Nebraska, baseball team were named to the 2012 Daktronics-NAIA Baseball Scholar-Athlete list, announced on Thursday, May 31.
In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status to qualify for this honor.
Concordia Baseball Representatives
Seniors
Ryan George (Urbandale, Iowa)
Joshua Nance (Brighton, Colo.)
Juniors
Jordan Stirtz (Gretna, Neb.)