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An eight-run second inning proved too much of a hole for Sioux Falls (4-9), especially against the No. 11-ranked NAIA team in the country.
Concordia (21-9) knocked off the Cougars10-1 this afternoon at Eagles Field in Irvine, Calif.
USF opened scoring in the top of the second inning when Ryan Fobes drew a bases-loaded walk after Austin Goodenow and Dylan Dwyer’s base hits and Noah Durkin’s base on balls.
The 2011 NAIA national champions tagging USF starter Steve Schroer for eight runs – but none earned – on five hits before head coach Matt Guiliano pulled him with two outs in the second. The scoreboard damage was primarily the result of three Cougar errors that not only let the Eagles bat around in the frame but saw Concordia lead-off hitter Dimascio cross home plate twice.
The Eagles tacked on single runs in the third and sixth innings to create the final margin.
Schroer took the loss for the Cougars. He allowed eight unearned runs on five hits with one walk and a strikeout in 1.2 innings. A trio of USF relievers saw action today and one bright spot for the Cougars was the performance of senior right-hander Austin Burke. The Valley, Neb. product worked the final two innings, where he allowed one hit and racked up four strikeouts to just one walk.
The Cougars tallied six hits in the game by six different players. Goodenow and freshman Kelby Beste each posted a double. USF finished with nine strikeouts and left eight men stranded.
USF is back in action on March 23 when they will host St. Cloud State in the NSIC season-opener for both schools.
