March 15, 1996

by Colin Beltz

The Concordia baseball team began their quest for a second straight MIAC crown last week with a two-game sweep of Clarke (IA) and a split with Northwestern (IA).

On Friday, Concordia won the first game against Northwestern 3-2 but dropped the second 3-1. The games were a good indicator as to where the team needs to improve, according to Cobber Head Coach Don "Bucky" Burgau. "We'd like to play better defense," said Burgau. "We have a .945 fielding percentage right now. Last year's .966 percentage was a team record. We hope to get to that point."
In addition to defense, pitching was also a question mark going in to the opening games. However, a solution may have been found.

"[Sophomore Robert] Groscup looked pretty darn good," he said. "It looks like he may fill the spot for us." He was saddled with his first loss as he pitched four and one-third innings in Concordia's second game against Northwestern.

On Thursday, Concordia started the season on a high note by hammering the over-matched Clarke team 9-2 and 8-1.

In the first game, junior Scott DeBrito's three hits led the Cobbers. Junior Jim McCormick pitched five solid innings notching his first win of the year. He allowed one run on just four hits while striking out four batters. The Cobbers started the scoring in the third inning. Senior Dan Zinger delivered an RBI double. Later in the inning, DeBrito's triple scored Zinger to give Concordia a 2-0 cushion.

The game remained tight until the sixth. DeBrito opened the inning with a single and promptly stole second. Junior Greg Salvevold drew a walk and both advanced one base on a passed ball. Junior Randy Razidlo stepped to the plate and slammed a pitcher's offering into the Metrodome bleachers for a three-run homer. DeBrito added another home run in the seventh as the Cobbers cruised to a 9-1 win.

Game two featured more of the same as the Cobbers again won easily 8-2. They jumped on top early as DeBrito and Salvevold reached base on walks and came around to score. Zinger then led off the third inning with a three-bagger and scored on DeBrito's sacrifice fly. Three Cobbers had three hits including Zinger, Razidlo and sophomore Matt Bergstrom.

Concordia received another strong outing from their starting pitcher. Salvevold threw four innings of scoreless ball giving up just one hit and whiffing eight batters.

The Cobbers west coast trip has them playing in a tournament at La Verne, Calif. The tournament began Thursday with a game against UW-La Crosse and ends Saturday. Concordia then plays a double header against California Baptist on March 17. Burgau is viewing this trip as a great opportunity for his club to improve in all areas of its game.

"We still have a lot of questions to answer," said Burgau. "We want to find them in California."