Playoff Run Comes To An End

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (5/15/21)---Concordia's run in the MIAC playoffs finally came to an end as they lost 5-1 in the first elimination game on Saturday.

The loss can't dampen the record-setting season for the Cobbers as they earned their first-ever MIAC playoff spot, won their first-ever conference playoff game, made the double-elimination semifinals for the first time ever and finished with 22 wins which is tied for the most in program history.

Concordia's final game of the season was closer than the final score line indicated. The teams were locked in a 0-0 tie until the fifth inning. Bethel didn't get their first hit of the game until the third inning and only had one base knock heading into the fifth frame. The Cobbers had single hits in the first, third and fourth innings but couldn't push anyone past second base.    

Bethel (27-9) broke the game open when they scored four runs on five singles – four of which found their way through holes in the infield.

The Royals added a fifth run in the sixth before Concordia was able to get on the board in the seventh inning. Emma Redlin came through with a 1-out, pinch-hit double and then scored on a single off the bat of Riley Bergstrom.

Concordia had six hits in the elimination game. Bergstrom went 3-for-3 and drove in the only run for CC. Redlin was 1-for-1 with the double. Taylor Erholtz went 1-for-3 while Karissa Finnigan came into the game in the sixth inning as a pinch hitter and picked up a single to left field. She would go on to steal second base later in the inning.

Megan Gavin started the game for CC and went the first 5.0 innings. She allowed four earned runs and struck out four. Senior Cassie Bohnsack pitched the final frame for CC. She gave up one run on two hits.

TWO-WAY TEAM: Concordia finishes the year with a team batting average of .272 which is tied for third highest in school history. The Cobbers also got a stellar season from their pitching staff. CC ended the 2021 with an earned run average of 3.27 which is the sixth best in program history.      

RECAP SPONSOR: Today's recap sponsor is Erbert & Gerbert's. Cobber athletics would like to thank Erbert & Gerbert's for their longtime support of Concordia student/athletes.