BOX SCORE AUSTIN, Texas – The Concordia Texas Tornados won 2-1 over Concordia Chicago thanks in part to a pair of thrilling defensive plays at the plate in the top of the ninth on Sunday afternoon at Tornado Field.
The Tornados (12-9) entered the top of the ninth up 2-1, but Concordia Chicago (10-6) threatened with runners at the corners and nobody out. After Kevin Coppin laid down a slow dribbler on a bunt, reliever Justin Traxler made an outstanding shovel pass with his glove to Gareth Hutton to prevent the Cougars from tying up the ballgame. Traxler would then get pinch hitter Justin Rodrgiuez to strike out swinging.
CUC would end up with runners at second and third with two down. Colin Bethran stood at third, and with an apparent hit and run on, Hutton tried to call Bethran's bluff to the plate. Bethran broke for home but a great throw from Colton Poindexter back to Hutton nabbed Bethran at the plate for the third out to give CTX the victory.
The Tornados struck first after Michael Evan tripled to lead off the home half of the third. Evan would score on an RBI groundout off the bat of Adam Ortega.
It remained a 1-0 ballgame until the top of the seventh when the Cougars tied the contest on an RBI single from Doug Matthews.
CTX regained the lead on an RBI single from Connor Bertsch in the bottom of the seventh, which proved to be the game-winning it.
Matthew Brown got the start for the Tornados and dealt five scoreless innings, striking out five while allowing just two hits and a walk. Justin Traxler earned the win in four innings of relief, striking out seven while surrendering just one run on five hits and a pair of walks.
The Tornados wrapped up an eight-game home stand, during which they posted a record of 6-2, including four wins over two top-25 programs. In the stretch, CTX outscored their opponents 66-33.
Concordia Texas returns to action on short rest with a three-game set at Louisiana College starting Thursday at 4 p.m. Chuck Licata and Joe Hollier will have the call on KMACSports.com from Pineville, La.
