CU's Brennan Ingram went 1-of-4 at the plate as the Cavs defetaed No.1 Lewis-Clark State on Friday.
Cavs Hold Off Defending Champs Lewis-Clark State
LEWISTON, Idaho –The Concordia University baseball team opened its season in thrilling fashion by defeating the unanimous preseason No. 1 and three-time defending NAIA champion Lewis-Clark State 5-4 at the Regence BlueShield of Idaho Tourney on Friday.
The game represented the season opener for both teams. It was the first opening loss for LC State since 1993. The Warriors received all 21 first-place votes in the NAIA preseason poll released last November.
The Cavs scored early and late to defeat the Warriors. After two runs in the first via an RBI single by J.J. Berg followed by a sacrifice fly by Tommy Whalen, CU managed single runs in the second and the third to take a 4-1 lead through three inning of play.
LC State would manage a solo run in the fifth and a pair of scores in the seventh to nod the game at 4-4. Neither team scored in the eight, setting up an RBI double for Whalen in the ninth for the Cavalier lead.
After recording the final out of the eight, Steven Taft came back out in the ninth to pick up the win for the Cavaliers. After striking out Travis Georgious with the bases loaded, Taft induced Josh Ashenbrenner into a pop up to CU shortstop Brennan Ingram in shallow left field for the final out.
CU starter Ben Rue pitched six solid innings for the Cavs before being relieved by Brady Miletich. Rue allowed just two runs on six hits while striking out three and issuing a single walk.
The Cavs chased LC State starter Nick Masters after connecting on six hits and three runs in 1 1/3 inning. Henty Buenrostro took the loss for the Warriors.
At the plate, Jimmy Rudig led the Cavs, going 4-for-4 with one run and one RBI. W
Concordia will resume play at the LC State hosted tournament by facing fellow Cascade Collegiate Conference Corban College at 10 a.m. at Harris Field.