(Howell, MI) – Concordia baseball kicked off WHAC conference play on Sunday afternoon when they traveled to Cleary. The Cardinals swept the Cougars on the day, claiming an 11-2 win in the first game and holding on for a 9-8 win in the second.
Game 1 – CUAA 11, Cleary 2
Tyson Kleinfelter started game 1 on the mound, making 6 strikeouts in 6 innings. Concordia scored 6 runs in the 2nd, starting when Joe Jones drew a bases-loaded walk to force Aaron Brazelton home. Justin Kozlowski hit a 2-RBI double scoring Robert Brenay and Jarrett Batanian. Joe Jones scored on an error and James "Jimmy" Wressel later hit an RBI single to drive in Aaron West. Calvin Syrjala capped the inning with an RBI single scoring Wressel.
The Cardinals added 4 more runs in the 4th, starting when Calvin Syrjala hit a 2-RBI single to drive in Aaron West and Justin Kozlowski. Aaron Brazelton added a 2-RBI double that scored Jordan Sherman and Calvin Syrjala.
Jarrett Batanian tacked on a bases-loaded walk that forced Kyle Hebner home in the 6th. Cleary broke the shutout with 2 runs in the bottom half, but Bryon Mane pitched in the 7th and secured the 11-2 win.
Game 2 – CUAA 9, Cleary 8
Joe Tany was the starting pitcher for game 2, making 2 strikeouts. Concordia started with 2 runs in the 1st, starting with an RBI single from Aaron West to score Joe Jones. Calvin Syrjala added an RBI single to drive in West. Cleary countered with a 2-run homer to tie the game.
Aaron Brazelton reclaimed the lead with an RBI single to drive in Jordan Sherman. Timothy Pomaville came in to pitch in the 2nd, going 7 innings and making 7 strikeouts.
The Cardinals used a 4-run 5th inning to extend their lead. Robert Brenay started with an RBI single to score Jarrett Batanian. Brenay later reached home on an error and Aaron West crushed a 2-run homer to cap off the inning.
Both teams scored a run in the 7th and 8th. Aaron West added an RBI single in the 7th to score Joe Jones and Caleb Chamberlain stole home in the 8th.
Cleary tightened the game with a 4-run 9th inning, but Kenneth Rozmys secured the final 2 outs and clinched the win with a strikeout.
Concordia will continue conference play at Indiana Tech this next Saturday.
