NUTTER FORT, W.Va. – The Concord University baseball team came back from a five-run deficit, but was unable to complete the rally as it fell 5-4 to Salem Saturday afternoon at Frank Loria Field.
Salem (2-4) scored three runs in its first three at-bats to run out to a 3-0 advantage. After the Tigers plated two more runs in the fifth inning, the Mountain Lions (0-3) began their climb back into the game.
A leadoff walk to freshman outfielder
D.J. Christian put a man aboard for freshman infielder
Zack Saryeldin to hit his first career home run—a low line drive to left field. Two batters later, sophomore outfielder
Richard Ortiz launched his first home run of the season, a solo shot to draw within 5-3.
Concord escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the sixth to keep the deficit at two runs.
With the teams only playing a seven-inning game Saturday, CU began the top of the seventh with back-to-back walks. A sacrifice bunt put the go-ahead run in scoring position. A groundout from Christian left a runner on base, but a run crossed to trim the margin to 5-4.
After a walk to Saryeldin, Salem was able to force a fly ball to the warning track in right field to stop the Concord rally, and hold off the Mountain Lions.
Saryeldin had two hits and two RBI.
Senior pitcher
Spencer Hoyt went four innings as he allowed three earned runs on four hits while striking out three batters.
CU travels to Bowen Field 3:00 p.m. Thursday to face Mercer County rival Bluefield State.
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