BOX SCORE

Austin, Texas – In a game that featured four ties and three lead changes, Justin Beasley had an RBI triple that gave the Tornados their first lead in the seventh and blasted a two-run single which would stand as the game-winning hit in the eighth to lead the Concordia University Texas baseball team to a 6-4 victory over Mary Hardin-Baylor on Friday, Apr. 8 at Tornado Field. The Tornados remained in second place by recording their third win in their last four games.

Mary Hardin-Baylor (14-15, ASC 5-8) scored the game's first run in the top of the first on a single up the middle by Chris Joshlin before the hosts were able to even up the score in the second when Robert Brown was able to come home on an infield error. The Cru, however, regained a one-run lead courtesy of a double by Zach Young to left in the fifth.

Concordia was able to strike back and take its first lead in the bottom of the seventh by scoring twice with two outs. After the first two hitters struck out, Brent Schaekel was able to reach on an infield error and came home on the next play when Colton Gommert doubled to the warning track in left center. One play later, Beasley tripled to give the Tornados their first lead and chase Cru ace Chance Ryan out of the game.

The visitors were able to score twice in the top of the eighth to go ahead by a 4-3 score, but Concordia fought back again in the bottom of the frame. Kyle Bieschke set the tone by leading off with a ground-rule double to left. After Kris Pearce was hit by a pitch, putting runners at first and second, Jacob Spelbring kept the rally going and loaded the bases by hitting a bunt single.

The inning's first out was recorded on a popup and appeared to be over when Brent Schaekel hit a hard grounder to the Cru second baseman. The sophomore, however, hustled down the first base line and beat out the throw for what would have been the third after Ryan Gaze was gunned down at second on a force. The hustle of Schaekel allowed Bieschke to score the tying run and set the stage for Beasley, who delivered a two-run single to left after Gommert drew a walk.

Sean Thompson, who pitched one inning in relief, was credited with the victory and improved to 1-1. He allowed two hits and no runs. Bryant Hernandez, who struck out the only batter he faced to end the game, picked up his third save of the season. Sam VanHoozer was tagged with the loss and dropped his record to 1-2 after surrendering two hits and two runs, which were both earned, in one inning of work.

Concordia (17-12, ASC 9-4), which has already surpassed last season's marks for overall and conference wins, will play a doubleheader against Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. The Tornados will honor their 10 seniors prior to the start of the first game.
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Mary Hardin-Baylor (14-15, ASC 5-8)     100     010     020     4   10    2
Concordia (17-12, ASC 9-4)                    010     000     23x      6    9     2
     Mary Hardin-Baylor: Chance Ryan, Danny Hortsman (7), Sam VanHoozer (8) and Chris Joshlin.
     Concordia: Colin Butschek, Sean Thompson (8), Bryant Hernandez (9) and Collin Janssen.