By Tim Peterson
(Glendora) – Concordia erased a 3-0 deficit with six runs in the last four innings to beat Azusa Pacific 6-3 Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader.
Riley O’Sullivan went the distance for Concordia allowing three runs and scattering nine hits and striking out six to pick up the victory. The Cougars used five pitchers overall. Brendan Dixon started and went five and two-thirds innings and allowed two runs and eight hits. Andrew White took the loss as he allowed a two-run home run in two-thirds of an inning.
The Cougars led 3-0 after five innings. They scored two in the third inning. Cameron Lee walked and Cade Marshman was hit by a pitch. After a double steal Omar Lopez’ fly ball scored Lee and Spencer Rasmussen doubled home Marshman.
Lopez took O’Sullivan deep in the fifth to put the Cougs up 3-0. That was the last run APU could muster but Concordia woke up.
The Golden Eagles got two back in the sixth to get within one. Nick Hansen singled and Makamae Du Pont beat out an infield hit. Vito Fowler singled to score Hansen and after Jake Schulz walked Du Pont scored on a wild pitch.
Concordia grabbed the lead for good in the eighth. Fowler was hit by a pitch and Schulz walked. After a sacrifice bunt by Michael Mira pinch hitter Calvin Schonebaum singled down the right field line to drive in both runners.
The Golden Eagles added some insurance in the eighth inning when Nathan Benefeito belted a fastball to San Dimas off of White for a two-run home run to make it 6-3.
O’Sullivan retired the side in order in each of the last three innings to wrap it up.
Concordia had 12 hits in all to go along with the six runs. Azusa Pacific had just four hits and committed two errors.
Concordia improved to 15-14 overall with the victory while the Cougars fell to 21-16.
*Note: Azusa Pacific beat Concordia 14-11 in the second game.
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