CUW Splits Doubleheader Behind Kuntz’s Game Two Gem

TUCSON, Ariz. – The CUW Falcons opened the Tucson Invitational Games with a doubleheader against the Bethany Lutheran Vikings, dropping the first game 13-4 before bouncing back with a 2-0 win, thanks to a dominant, record-breaking performance from sophomore pitcher Alex Kuntz (Richfield, Wis.).

With Sunday's results, the Falcons stand at 2-1 on the season.

In the first game, the Vikings jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first inning. The Falcons responded in the bottom of the second when senior Jack Owens (Chicago, Ill.) drew a bases-loaded walk to score a run. However, the Vikings continued to build on their lead, eventually leading 13-1 by the bottom of the fifth.

CUW mounted a rally in the top of the seventh, scoring three runs. Senior Kyle Flynn (Downers Grove, Ill.) delivered a sacrifice fly to center, and freshman Graham Kasten (Mequon, Wis.) doubled to drive in two more. Despite the late surge, the Falcons were unable to complete the comeback.

On the mound, senior Zach Slome (Schaumburg, Ill.) faced 22 batters and recorded one strikeout. Freshman Charlie Wahlen (Grafton, Wis.) and seniors Matthew Ward (East Dundee, Ill.) and Jake Hartley (Whitefish Bay, Wis.) made their first appearances of the season in relief. Offensively, Kasten led the way with two hits and two RBIs, while sophomore Jason Valdez (Glendale Heights, Ill.) added a double.

The Falcons bounced back in the second game, where Kuntz stole the spotlight with an incredible performance. The sophomore tossed 5.2 innings, allowing just one hit, walking one batter, and setting a program-record with 14 strikeouts—surpassing the previous high of 11 strikeouts set by Ryan Green in 2023. Kuntz struck out 14 of the 20 batters he faced, dominating throughout.

The Falcons gave Kuntz early run support in the bottom of the second. After Jason Valdez drew a walk, Flynn crushed a double to score him and put CUW on the board. Kuntz continued to dominate, fanning 10 of the first 13 batters he faced over the first four innings.

In the bottom of the fourth, sophomore Alex Ames (Plymouth, Wis.) singled up the middle, scoring freshman Gavin Crellin (Phoenix, Ariz.) from second to extend the Falcons' lead to 2-0.

Bethany Lutheran threatened in the top of the sixth, recording their first hit and advancing a runner to third with no outs. However, Kuntz remained composed, striking out the next two batters before handing the ball to senior Owen Burns (Morris, Ill.), who finished the inning with another strikeout. Burns then set down the side in order in the seventh to secure the victory and earn his first save of the season.

Kuntz and Burns combined for 16 strikeouts in the game, setting a new CUW record for most strikeouts by a pitching staff in a single game. The previous record was 14 strikeouts, set in 2021 against Lakeland, but the Falcons achieved 17 strikeouts in just seven innings.

Offensively, Flynn led the Falcons with two hits, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Ames recorded the other RBI. Senior Brynden Cleveland (Crestwood, Ill.) contributed two walks.

The Falcons will look to keep their momentum going in the next doubleheader, where they will face the Gusties of Gustavus Adolphus.