RICHARDSON, Texas – The Concordia Texas baseball team opened the American Southwest Conference Tournament first round, falling 6-1 to UT Dallas Friday.
 
The Tornados received a stellar performance on the mound from Otto Franz, but they were unable to build a lead before a five-run seventh inning from the Comets broke the game open.
 
Franz tossed six innings of one-run baseball, scattering five hits and striking out two, but he was credited with the loss in the game.
 
The lefty hurler dominated in what was a pitcher's duel through six innings, his only run coming on a wild pitch in the sixth inning.
 
In the seventh inning, the Comets' offense came alive, blasting two homers and plating five runs in the frame. After the damage, the Tornados trailed 6-0.
 
In the top of the eighth, the Tornados earned one run back as Dalton Watts brought home EJ Sanchez with a sacrifice fly. With one frame left to play, CTX cut the lead to 6-1.
 
The Tornados were retired in order in the ninth, ultimately falling 6-1.
 
Concordia Texas will look to bounce back and keep their postseason hopes alive Saturday, squaring off with Hardin-Simmons at 10 am in an elimination game.