Gameday Game Recap

MOORHEAD, Minn. (4/25/06)-- The important numbers for Concordia on Tuesday in their single, nine-inning game with UM-Morris read as follows: 19 runs, 18 hits with 11 different players picking up at least one hit in the game. That impressive offensive outburst helped Concordia to their most lopsided victory since the 2003 as they pounded the Cougars 19-3. The 19 runs represent the largest run production since Apr. 18, 2004 when the Cobbers scored 23 runs in a game against Macalester.

The bat breakout comes on the heels of an 18-3 shellacking at the hands of conference foe Augsburg and precedes a stretch of six conference games that will decided the playoff hopes for the team. The new-found confidence at the plate propelled Concordia to its 15th win of the season. The Cobbers are now one game under the .500 mark with an overall record of 15-16.

UM-Morris loses for the third straight game. The 19 runs allowed represent the most runs given up by the Cougars this season and most since they lost 26-1 to Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Mar. 19 of last season. UM-Morris falls to 9-22 on the season.

Concordia didn't unleash its high octane attack until the third inning when they scored four runs. After scoring a pair of runs in the second inning, the Cobbers struck for four more to establish a 6-0 lead. The big blow came off the bat of junior first baseman Scott Halupczok who cranked out a three-run home run. For Halupczok, it was his first career home run.

Concordia then piled on the runs in the bottom of the fifth inning when they added a touchdown and converted on the two-point extra point. The long ball once again played a major role in the inning. Chris Klabo delivered his fifth home run of the year to plate three runs and put the game out of reach. Klabo now has 20 home runs in his 2-plus-year career which is one more than Philadelphia Phillies farmhand Chris Coste hit in three years as a Cobber when he won the MIAC MVP award three consecutive seasons.

After the eight-run fourth, Concordia held a 14-0 lead and turned the rest over to the pitching staff. Junior Tieg Herman threw the first five innings and only allowed one hit while striking out five. Herman did not add to his school-record hit batter total and was in complete control in picking up his second win of the season. Darrin Carlson came on in middle relief and gave up three earned runs on only two hits. He struck out six but also walked three batters. Anthony Stern came on to pitch a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out two of the four batters he faced.

The Cobbers had 11 different players record a hit in the game. Seven different Concordia players had two hits as head coach Bucky Burgau played 18 different players in the game. Klabo was 2-for-3 with three RBI's and two runs scored. Halupczok followed suit by going 2-for-2 with three RBI's and three runs scored. A pair of freshmen had their best day in the maroon and gold. Scott Schumacher went 2-for-5 and had a team-high four RBI's and catcher Michael Hinde went 2-for-6 with one RBI and one runs scored. It was the first collegiate multiple-hit game for Hinde.

Concordia will have a week off for final exams and graduation and then return to action when they travel to Mayville, N.D. to take on Mayville State in a single, nine-inning game on Tuesday, May 2 at 2:00pm. The Cobbers return to MIAC play on Wednesday, May 3 when they host St. Mary's in a doubleheader scheduled to start at noon.