AUSTIN, Texas - The Concordia Texas baseball team used an all-around team effort to down UMHB in the conference opener. Pitchers Otto Franz and Brady Staedtler posted five strikeouts and no runs each inside Gardner-Boggs Field on Friday.

UMHB loaded the bases with only one out in the top of the first inning, but Otto Franz recorded two straight strikeouts to get out of the early jam. The Crusaders had a runner in scoring position in the second, third and fourth innings, but the Tornados stood strong once again to keep the score 0-0.

CTX broke the tie in the bottom of the fourth with a sacrifice fly by Kalen Clark to score Brandon Goynes. Concordia added three more runs in the frame as Chris Morrow, Zach Seigrist and Landon Hyle scored with RBIs from Hyle and EJ Sanchez. 

As action progressed, neither team would plate anymore runners as Brady Staedtler impressed with five strikeouts in three innings pitched. Down to their last three outs, the Crusaders posted a pair of runs on a two-out, RBI double. The Tornados would ultimately go on to victory with Noah Kelley striking out the final batter for the save.

Concordia Texas will now prep for the conclusion of the series with a doubleheader against UMHB on Saturday. First pitch is set for 11 a.m.

BOX SCORE STANDOUTS
Otto Franz - 5.0 IP, 5 Ks, 0 ER
Brady Staedtler - 3.0 IP, 5 Ks, 0 ER
Chris Morrow - 3 Hits, 1 Run
Landon Hyle - 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 RBI

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the CTX baseball program, follow us on social media (@ctxathletics) and visit athletics.concordia.edu.