BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – The Concordia University baseball team continues to pile up runs – and wins in the nonconference portion of the 2020 season. After turning around quickly from this past weekend’s four-game set with Waldorf University (Iowa), the Bulldogs took two while on the road at Baker University (Kan.) on Tuesday (March 3). Concordia won by scores of 11-8 and 14-3.
Sixth-year head coach Ryan Dupic’s squad has pushed its win streak to seven and stands at 10-2 overall. The Bulldogs are ranked 24th in the NAIA by Perfect Game.
“We played much better in the second game,” Dupic said. “We got a good start from Caden Johnson and Shane Whittaker threw well in relief. Our defense was solid and didn’t commit any errors. Offensively, we took advantage of their mistakes and got some hits at the right time to blow the game open.
“It was good to get back out and play, and we are looking forward to our Tucson trip.”
In Tuesday’s first contest, sophomore Jesse Garcia belted his fourth home run already this season and drove in four runs. Beau Dorman also added a two-run single. In addition, Concordia worked seven walks and took two hit-by-pitches. It built an 8-2 lead that it allowed to slip away.
In an extra frame, the Bulldogs capitalized on some sloppiness by the Wildcats (5-14) and pushed across three runs. Ryan Samuelson then got the final three outs (two on strikeouts) in the bottom half to earn the save in what was an eight-inning affair.
There was much less drama in game two. Johnson covered four innings on the mound and allowed two runs while striking out five. Whittaker threw the final two innings and did not allow a run, hit or walk. At the plate, Keaton Candor spurred the offense with a 3-for-3 performance that included two doubles, three runs scored and an RBI. Jakob Faulk (2-for-4, two RBIs) and Noah Janssen (2-for-3, two RBIs) also collected two hits in the game two win.
Next up is the Tucson Invitational in Tucson, Ariz., where the Bulldogs will play seven games, including three against GPAC opponents. The action in Arizona will begin on Saturday with matchups versus Morningside (1:30 p.m. CT) and against NCAA Division II Concordia, St. Paul. Conference play will begin following the trip.
