ALPINE, Texas – The eighth-ranked Concordia University Texas baseball team split an American Southwest Conference (ASC) doubleheader versus Sul Ross State Saturday at Kokernot Field. The Lobos grabbed a 7-5 victory in the opening game, while the Tornados picked up a 7-4 win in the nightcap to clinch the set.
Concordia Texas (27-9, 21-5 ASC) used a seven-run sixth inning to take control of the series finale. Sul Ross State scored two runs in the seventh and two more in the ninth, but the Tornados held on to remain atop the ASC standings.
Connor Bertsch led Concordia at the plate with five hits on the day, including a solo home run in the nightcap. Bertsch also drove in two runs and scored twice.
Michael Evan added four hits, including his seventh double of the season, while
Gareth Hutton totaled three knocks, including a double, and he drove in a pair.
Josh Smith (6-0) picked up the win in the finale, as the right-hander scattered five hits and allowed two runs in six-plus innings. Smith also tallied six strikeouts.
The Lobos surprised the Tornados with five runs in the sixth inning of the opener to earn a win. Sul Ross State racked up 15 hits in the victory.
Cameron Cox (10-1) suffered his first loss of the campaign, as the righty gave up six runs (three earned) over 5.2 frames.
Concordia will return home to host Mary Hardin-Baylor in the final ASC series of the year. The set is scheduled to open at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1.
