(Kissimmee, FL) - The Concordia University Softball team took to the field on Tuesday morning and afternoon to play two games against a familiar opponent in the IU South Bend Titans and against a new opponent in the No. 12 Grand View Vikings. While the Cardinals came into the first game with a 10-6 record, the Titans entered at 7-9 and the Vikings entered at 11-3.
Game 1: IU South Bend 2, Concordia 1 - 9 Innings
It was a battle of the pitchers all the way as the Cardinals starter was Hannah Duchene as she would pitch the full 8.2 innings of the game. Duchene would allow two runs on the day, neither of which were earned, while only allowing three hits and striking out three.
In the tight defensive battle, runs were scarce as only three crossed the plate between the two teams. The Titans were able to grab the lead right away in the bottom of the first as they were able to score off of a single to center field. In the fourth inning, after a Payton Lewis single down the right-field line and was able to come around to score from second on an Abbie Begley single.
The game saw no more runs in the regulation innings as the two teams headed to extras. The international rule was in effect as a runner was placed on second base to begin the inning. In the top of the eighth, the Cards would threaten as they loaded the bases with two outs but would not be able to score. In the bottom half of the inning, IUSB would get a runner to third with only no one out, but a great defensive play from Begley she was able to record the double play from right field and throw home to save the run.
The Cards though would see a similar play as they would attempt a squeeze play with a runner at third and one out, and be caught up for the double play. The bottom half of the inning saw a passed ball advance the runner to third. The final score came on a slow roller to first with no attempt at a throw home.
Game 2: Grand View 11, Concordia 0 - 5 Innings
Kendall Kahl would get her first start of the season to take on Grand View. Kahl would go on to pitch 2.1 innings while allowing four runs on four hits and striking out one batter.
After two quick outs to start the game, the Vikings would take the lead right away in the game and be able to run away with it. The Vikings would score off of a single in the first.
The third and fourth innings saw the Vikings be able to add to their lead. Grand View would be able to score after bringing together a couple of singles and doubles in order to make it 4-0 after the third. In the fourth, three more runs would get tacked on. And in the fifth, the final four runs of the game would go on the board for the 11-0 win for the Vikings.
Other pitchers for the Cardinals would be Paige Anderson and Kennedy Kahl. Anderson pitched 1.1 innings and allow three runs on three hits, while Kahl would pitch the final 1.1 innings and give up four runs on three hits.
The Cards will have an off-day on Wednesday and will head back onto the field Thursday to take on Hannibal-Lagrange at 10 am and Missouri Baptist at 12:15 pm.
