AUSTIN, Texas – The battle between the Pirates (0-2) and Tornados (1-0) came down to the team that was fortunate enough to have the last at bat and home field advantage. Both teams featured run scoring onslaughts that seemed to turn the momentum almost every inning. The game highlighted productive scoring in all but three frames between the two sides. Concordia took the game into the ninth inning tied and saw Andrew Burns cross the plate to give them the win in their season and home opener.
Scoring came early for the home team as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first. Runs came from a two out rally that started with a walk followed by a single. The Tornados were able to convert as Burns tripled to center field scoring both base runners. Pirates' pitcher Max Smith was able to end the inning two batters later on a ground out to Nate Shipp.
The SU offense caught fire in their next at bat scoring six runs in the top of the second inning. Cray Betts (3-5, 3 RBI) singled to right center in his first at bat and scored the first run for Southwestern. Zachary Lynch drew a bases loaded walk to score Betts. Singles by Colby Dutton (2-5, 3 RBI) and Charlie Garrett each scored a run. The Tornados changed pitchers but the 'Bucs kept the runs coming. Coach Shelton saw his team bat through the lineup en route to scoring 3 more runs to extend their lead to 6-2.
The middle innings featured a flurry of scoring from both clubs. Concordia scored three runs in the third while Southwestern retaliated with two runs of their own in the fifth. In the top of the sixth, the Pirates were able to add another run to their lead. However, the home team fought back in the bottom of the inning to tie the game on four runs, from three hits, two hit batsmen, and an error.
That set the stage for the ninth inning. SU threatened by getting a one out single from Ross Meyer and a two out walk by Jay Sterling. Concordia pitcher Jacob Spelbring got Dutton to line out to right field to end the rally and earn the eventual win for his team.
Russell Kelly came in to pitch for the Pirates and got into trouble early, hitting Burns putting him on first base. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Heath Padgett. Kelly proceeded to walk the next two Tornados, loading the bases. Tyler Joyner got the call to pitch to Matt McManemin. McManemin drew his fourth hit by pitch in the game to bring in Burns and score the game's final run.
Southwestern and Concordia square off again on Saturday, February 4th at Tornado Field for a double header to finish the series beginning at 1pm.