MEMPHIS, TENN.- The Concordia University Chicago (CUC) baseball team hit the road to face off against the University of Chicago in game two of the Rhodes Tournament. The Cougars fell to the Maroons after a close battle in the 8th, with a final score of 5-2.
INSIDE THE BOX
- Brandon Mahler (Vernon Hills, III.) led at the plate going three-for-four with two RBIs.
- Cam Buckley (New Lenox, Ill.) went two-for-three with two stolen bases and one run contributed to the Cougars' scoreboard.
- Ryan Renella (Bartlett, Ill.) went one-for-one while scoring a run to get the Cougars offensive going.
- Four arms came into play for the Cougars as Dylan Scott (Bartlett, Ill.) went four innings while only allowing two hits with Jack Linko (New Lenox, Ill.), Blake Hickey (Chicago, Ill.), and Kyle Connelly (New Lenox, Ill.) all coming in relief.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED
- The Cougar defense got to work early, picking up two outs on the first two batters. Despite having the advantage, the Maroons didn't quit and managed to pick up two runs on three hits before a tough ball sent back to Scott would close the inning. In the bottom half of the inning, the Cougars tried to pick up some offensive momentum, but were unable to capitalize and headed to the second inning scoreless.
- In the top of the second, the Cougar defense continued to connect and held off the Maroons on the scoreboard. Both teams settled into their rhythm, keeping the bats quiet through the middle innings, The game wouldn't see another score until the top of the 7th when the Maroons broke through again with one run on three hits to extend their lead to 3-0.
- Needing to get something going after two quick outs to start the bottom of the seventh, Austin Koberstein (Milwaukee, Wis.) stepped into the game and picked up his first hit in the maroon and gold with a single to center. Looking to continue with some fresh bats at the plate, Renella stepped in, but the inning would come to a close before he could finish his at bat.
- The top of the eighth would see those offensive changes move to defensive changes while Hickey came on the mound. A leadoff single paired with a Cougar error put a runner in scoring position, but three consecutive outs would close the inning with no damage done.
- Picking up with his unfinished at-bat, Renella returned to the plate and picked up his first collegiate hit with a single to center. A sacrifice bunt from Richie Sperando (Darien, Ill.) would move Renella into scoring position with the heart of the Cougar hitters on deck. Buckley would send a slow roller to the infield, but with quick speed beat the throw and move runners to the corners. Jake Mahler (Vernon Hills, Ill.) would send a similar slow roller up the third base line, loading the bases up for the other Mahler. B. Mahler singled to right field which sent both Renella and Buckley home to tie the game up at three apiece heading to the final inning.
- In the top of the ninth, the Maroons would get to work once again, but this time supported by the Cougars. They would add two runs off no hits, but three Cougar errors.
- In the bottom of the ninth, the Cougars trailed by two, but three outs in four batters would leave them trailing by two to close the game.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT'S NEXT
The Cougars will stay in Memphis, Tenn. to continue their run in the Rhodes Tournament. The Cougars will face Franklin College on Sunday, February 22nd at 10:30 am. First pitch is set for 10:30 am while all coverage can be found at cucougars.com/coverage.
