Cavs Split Season Opener at PLU
PARKLAND, Wash.—Behind a pair of quality starts from pitchers
Jason Snodgrass (Ramona, Calif./Ramona H.S.) and
Harrison McGhee (Ramona, Calif./Ramona H.S.), Concordia split a road double-header at Pacific Lutheran in both team's season opener on Monday.
Concordia used two runs in the eight to win the opener 5-3 while losing 1-0 to the Lutes despite allowing just one hit in the nightcap. The Cavaliers will return to action on Feb. 7-9 when they travel to Lewiston, Idaho for the Guardian Tournament, hosting by Lewis-Clark State College.
Game 1
The Cavs got three hits in the fourth inning to plate a pair of runs in the opener.
Ryan McMonigle (Kaneohe, Hawaii/Kailua H.S. ) started the offense with an infield while
Blake Evetts (Tigard, Ore./Jesuit H.S.) singled through the left-side to place runners on the corners for the Cavs.
Cole Buruse (Ridgefield, Wash./Skyview H.S.) drove in the initial score on a groundout to second while
Ian Erickson (Astoria, Ore./Astoria H.S.) produced a 2-out single to short to score Evetts.
CU starter
Jason Snodgrass (Ramona, Calif./Ramona H.S.) went six strong innings, allowing just four hits while striking out six before being relieved by
Brad Bearden (Hoodsport, Wash./Shelton H.S.) and later, Evetts. Bearden completed the seventh and eighth innings, allowing a single run in the seventh after allowing a lead-off double, but got out of a jam with a pair of infield outs.
After CU scored a pair of unearned runs in the top of the eighth, Bearden returned to pitch a 1-2-3 frame to provide Evetts the save opportunity. With a 2 for 3 line at the plate while making the start at first base, Evetts moved to the mound where he struck out two batters in a clean ninth inning to secure the win.
Concordia outhit the Lutes 10 to 6 while both teams committed two errors. Chris Bishop took the loss for PLU after allowing the final two runs while working 3.1 innings.
Game 2
Concordia starter
Harrison McGhee (Ramona, Calif./Ramona H.S.) registered seven strikeouts over six innings, but a single mistake cost the Cavs as a Curtis Wildung solo homer to right in the fifth was all the Lutes would need to avoid the non-conference sweep.
McGhee, who did not walk a single batter in the outing, retired 11 straight before giving up the decisive home run.
Ryan Garrett (Seattle, Wash./Ballard H.S.) toed the mound for the final two stanzas, facing the minimum of six batters while tallying two strikeouts.
Concordia managed five hits in the loss, never more than one in an inning and all of which were singles. The Cavs failed to place a runner at third, only successfully making the turn to second in the first, second and seventh innings as PLU starter Derrick Mahlum picked up with the win after striking out seven in 6.2 innings of work.