Bats Awaken In Time To Gain Split

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (3/31/12)—Concordia scored two runs in the seventh inning in the second game of their  doubleheader at Carleton to cap a four-run comeback and earn a split in the conference opener for both teams.  The Cobbers dropped the opener 5-3 but then scored four in the seventh and won the nightcap 4-2.
 
On a cold and blustery day in Northfield, Concordia had their bats finally warm up in the final three innings of the second game. After getting just eight hits in the first 11 innings of the day, CC exploded for seven in the final three frames. The Cobbers scored just two runs in the first 11 frames and then plated four to come away with the split.

Concordia (8-8/1-1 MIAC) failed to score in the first five innings of the opener. They cut a 3-0 deficit to 3-2 in the sixth but then gave up a pair of decisive runs in the bottom of the inning. CC tried to rally in the seventh and had game-tying run at second base with two outs but a ground out to first ended the comeback attempt.     

The Cobbers committed four errors in the opener and were outhit 11-5.

It looked like the second game would be a repeat of the first. The Knights took a 2-0 lead into the fifth frame and were aided by a pair of CC defensive miscues. Concordia then took control of the game by scoring single runs in the fifth and sixth innings and were helped by a Carleton error in the seventh to bring home the winning run.  Jan-Erik Lindberg singled to start the inning. Jared Johnson pinch ran for Lindberg and advanced to second on a sacrifice but from Erik Hiedeman. After a ground out to shortstop, CC was down to their final out in the inning. Braden Rahman hit a ground ball to the pitcher, who was unable to field the ball cleanly, and Rahman beat out the throw to first. Michael Olson then doubled down the left field line to score Rahman and add the insurance run.

Michael Olson led the CC offense in the split. He went 5-for-8 on the day including 3-for-4 in the second game. Brad Olson was 3-for-6 in the two games and had an RBI and scored a run.

Zach Frappier started the first game and allowed four earned runs and 11 hits but did not walk a batter. Shawn Krueger earned the win in the second game. He pitched the first 6.0 innings and gave up only one earned run. He picked up his second win of the season and lowered his ERA to 3.74. Chris Gilson pitched a hitless seventh inning to record his first collegiate save.

Concordia returns home to take on UM-Crookston in a single game on Tuesday, Apr. 3 and then hosts St. Olaf in a key MIAC doubleheader on Wednesday, Apr. 4 beginning at 1 p.m.