Baseball erases seven-run deficit, downs Central in extras in Arizona finale

TUCSON, Ariz. – Facing an 8-1 deficit after five innings of play, the Concordia University Wisconsin Baseball team was looking at a disappointing finish to its spring break trip. Rather than end on a disappointment, however, the Falcons stormed back for a 10-9 extra-inning win over Central College in the Arizona finale Saturday morning.

Freshman Nathan Thyssen (Appleton, Wis.) continued his impressive start to the season as he delivered the game-winning solo home run in the top of the 11th, giving the Falcons a one-run win. Sophomore Andrew Heideman (Bakersfield, Calif.) finished off the Dutch in the bottom half of the inning with a 1-2-3 frame for the win.

Heideman was masterful in five relief innings for the Falcons as he allowed just two hits and one unearned run, while striking out four. The sophomore had pinpoint control, firing 41 strikes on 53 pitches.

What was perhaps most impressive in the Falcons win was how the squad showcased its depth in the game. From players coming off the bench like Ben Rennicke (Grafton, Wis.) coming on in the ninth with a perfect sacrifice bunt to Kyle Washburn (Pleasant Prairie, Wis.) making an impressive play at second base the Falcons used the entire roster to pull out the victory.

Thyssen finished the game with three hits, two runs scored and two RBI to pace the Falcons attack. Senior Joel Sharon (Milwaukee, Wis.) and freshman Kyle Hilliard (Oak Forest, Ill.) also homered in the contest, each player finishing with two hits and two RBI. Hilliard and sophomore Dylan Gausman (Eagan, Minn.) each doubled in the contest as well.

CUW (4-6) trailed 8-1 before plating a run in the sixth, making the score 8-2. The Falcons then pushed across four in the seventh inning, two of those coming on a two-run blast by Sharon, making the score 8-6. The Falcons tallied one in the eighth on an RBI from sophomore Isaac Tewes (Chaska, Minn.) before scoring the tying run in the ninth on an RBI off the bat of freshman Sean Barry (New Lenox, Ill.).

CUW would take the lead in the top of the 10th when sophomore Bryan Thomas (Lowell, Ind.) plated Washburn for a 9-8 lead. Central would rally in the bottom half of the 10th with a run, forcing an 11th inning where Thyssen would deliver the game-winner. Thomas and Washburn each collected two hits for the Falcons.

Junior Tyler Gross (Wauwatosa, Wis.) pitched two strong innings in relief for the Falcons, allowing just one hit and allowing no runs. Matt Schissel took the loss in relief for Central, pitching the final two innings, surrendering a pair of runs.

CUW will return to action Tuesday in a non-conference home game against North Park. First pitch from Kapco Park is set for 3 p.m.