IRVINE, Calif. — Eagles Baseball battled No. 14 UC San Diego on Friday afternoon through ten innings. Concordia was dominant early, taking the lead in the third inning. The Tritons held on through ten before earning a final run and stealing the first game of the series, 3-2. 

Andrew Stout dealt seven strikeouts and allowed three hits in five innings pitched.

Nick Grimes started the Eagles energy at the plate in the third with a single up the middle. Haloa Dudoit hit into a fielders choice, moving Grimes to third and occupying first.  In his first game since 2017, Jair Donovan crushed a single to right center that scored both base runners and gave Concordia the 2-1 lead. 

"We missed Jair last year," said Head Coach Joe Turgeon. "Jair is one of the best Division II baseball players in my mind. He showed that today and he'll continue to show that in the middle of our batting order every day."

Back-to-back singles and a defensive error gave UCSD the tying run in the fifth inning. Jack Ruegge took the hill from the bullpen. Ruegge matched Stout in innings pitched, allowed three hits, and struck out six Tritons in relief. 

Concordia threatened in the bottom of the ninth but left Matt Lautz on third base. In the top of the tenth, the Tritons walked and singled before scoring on a throwing error. Concordia fell to UCSD in the series opener, 3-2. 

"We competed hard," said Stout. "One single play and the outcome could've changed. I think it's a huge confidence boost that performed well against the No. 14 team in the country and especially with this being just the first game, I feel very confident about this season."
 

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Saturday's scheduled 1 p.m. game between the Eagles and Tritons has been postponed due to rain. The teams will continue their series at UC San Diego on Sunday, Feb. 3, weather permitting. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. Live Video • Live Stats