The Eagles fought another tough battle today, facing off against the Cougars of Azusa Pacific in game two of the four game series.  CUI plated six runs but that was not enough to overcome the potent APU offense.
 
Azusa Pacific made a statement in the top of the first inning, striking for four runs on four straight hits including two homeruns.
 
The Eagles' struggles continued in the top of the second as three hits brought in three more runs to widen the Cougar lead to 7-0.
 
Hunter Holland led the bottom of the fourth off with a triple to spark the Concordia offense.  A ground ball from Dillon Millar plated Holland to put the Eagles on the board. 
 
Isaiah Bettencourt took over on the mound in the top of the sixth and surrendered two runs on two hits as APU extended their lead to 9-1.
 
Bailey Collins got things started in the bottom half of the sixth with a single to right field.  A ground ball from Chad Whiteaker proved to be a productive out as it moved Collins to third.  An RBI single from Millar knocked him in.
 
Trailing 11-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Ryan Land laid down a perfectly placed bunt and beat the throw for an infield single.  Haloa Dudoit laid down a sacrifice bunt next, and the throw was airmailed to first base allowing Dudoit and Land to advance.  A single to right field off the bat of Jair Donovan played Land and advanced Dudoit to third.  Collins came to the plate and grounded out, knocking in Dudoit to cut the deficit to 11-4.
 
Jack Ruegge came on in relief in the top of the eighth and sat the Cougars down in order.
 
Three straight walks to Millar, Tony Garcia and Chris Martin loaded the bases before Land singled up the middle to bring in a run in the bottom of the eighth.
 
The Eagles were able to plate one more in the bottom of the ninth.  Bailey Collins doubled to left and Hunter Holland was hit by a pitch before both advanced on a balk.  Millar singled to bring in Collins.
 
The Eagles finished the game with 13 hits as every Eagle batter recorded a hit.  Ruegge finished his day going two innings without allowing a baserunner. 
 
Millar led the offense going 2-for-4 with three RBI. 
 
Starter Alex Zalasky falls to 3-5 on the season as the Eagles are now 17-14 in PacWest play. 
 
The series concludes Saturday as the Eagles take on APU in a double header in Irvine.  Game one is set for 12 p.m.