AUSTIN, Texas – Concordia Texas posted three runs in the bottom of the eighth to clinch the 5-4 win over the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in American Southwest Conference(ASC) play on Thursday afternoon at Nelson Field. 

Concordia improves to 17-18 and 6-10 in Conference action while, UMHB fall to 19-13 and 9-7 in the ASC. 

The Tornados got on the board in the third inning by taking advantage of three Cru errors to score one run giving them the 1-0 lead. 

It was a pitcher's duel between starters, Matt Coburn and UMHB's Jared Hopper, until the sixth inning when Concordia gave up four runs off four Cru hits. Coburn completed seven innings allowing seven hits, four runs and eight strikeouts. The pitchers combined for 17 strikeouts in the game. 

Concordia added one more run in the sixth, as Chad Thielepape drove in Killian Kinart on an RBI single. The run put the Tornados within two of the Cru's 4-2 lead. 

In the bottom of the eight, Concordia took the lead after Tom Williams led off the inning with a double followed by another double by Thielepape scoring Williams. Justin Yeager followed with a single along with Nick Cmerek who reached on a fielder's choice as Thielepape was out at third. With two runners on base catcher, Colin Lippert drove in one with an RBI single followed by another RBI double by Justin Beasley to close out the inning with three runs on five hits. 

Concordia went into the top of the ninth with the 5-4 lead which was enough for the victory as Stephen Szkotak shut out the Cru in the ninth. 

Junior Jason Rangel picked up his first win of the season after one complete inning allowing no runs and one strikeout. Szkotak was awarded his sixth save of the season after closing the ninth with two strikeouts. 

As a team, Concordia combined for nine hits and three errors. Offensively the Tornados were led by Senior Thielepape who finished with two hits and two RBIs in the victory. 

Concordia will finish up their ASC series against Mary Hardin Baylor tomorrow at Nelson Field with a noon doubleheader. The Tornados will honor their seniors at 11:45 before the start of the double header.