AUSTIN, Texas – The Concordia Texas baseball team dropped both games of the series-opening doubleheader against Belhaven, falling 3-2 in game one and 1-0 in game two on Friday.
The Tornados received solid outings on the mound from multiple pitchers, but they were unable to translate that to wins as they ended the day without a victory.
In game one, Jared Davenport turned in a solid start on the mound, limiting Belhaven to one unearned run on one hit in 2.2 innings of work. The Tornados took a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning, but fell victim to a last-inning comeback from the Blazers.
After a scoreless first frame, the Blazers were the first team to strike, bringing home a run on a sacrifice fly and taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning.
The Tornados returned the favor in the bottom of the third after
Jayden Hernandez reached on an error and
Dalton Watts provided an RBI two-bagger, evening the score at 1-1.
In the fourth inning, CTX struck again and took their first lead of the game. Mason Dubois led off the frame with a double down the line, and
Kaden Kleinert followed with a single, putting Dubois at third and setting up an RBI error from
Mac Surles. With four innings in the books, the Tornados led 2-1.
The Tornados held the lead heading into the final frame, but a comeback effort from Belhaven spoiled the series opener. After two runs on three hits, the Blazers took a 3-2 lead in the top of the seventh.
With one last chance in the bottom of the seventh, the Tornados were unable to answer as the side was retired in order.
In game two,
David Matthews and
Colton Hunter each provided stellar performances on the hill. Matthews, the Tornados' starter, was credited with the loss despite tossing four frames of one-run baseball and striking out five. Hunter appeared in relief, allowing no runs on only one hit and striking out six in five innings of work.
The lone run came in the top of the first, as an RBI single gave Belhaven a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom half,
Aaron Gomez worked a leadoff walk and Watts bunted him to scoring position, but the Tornados were unable to plate the run. After one inning, the Tornados trailed 1-0.
Concordia Texas threatened again in the fifth, putting two runners on after Dubois reached on an error and
EJ Sanchez singled to left, but three quick outs ended the frame.
Otto Franz picked up a hit in the bottom of the eighth, but was stranded on base and the 1-0 Belhaven lead held firm.
In the ninth, the final three CTX hitters were retired in order and the nightcap ended in a 1-0 Tornado' loss.
Concordia Texas will look to avoid the sweep in the series finale at Tornado Field, playing the third game at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
