Dennis Driscoll

Director of Athletic Communications 

RIVER FOREST, Ill. – The Marian baseball team earned a series split Monday evening at Concordia Chicago and moved into a three-way tie for third place in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference standings.

The Sabres won game two of the twin bill 5-4 and fell in the opener 11-7 at the CUC Baseball Field.

In game two it was the Brett Barger (2-0) that kept the Cougars off balance. The Bartlett, Ill. native returned to his native state and pitched effectively. The senior tossed five and one third innings and allowed five hits, three runs (two earned) and three walks.

Jordan DeBoer then entered the game and pitched three and two third innings and allowed no hits, one run and two walks and struck out two to earn his second save of the season.

The Marian bats produced early in game two.

Earl Vorpagel doubled to right field to begin the top of the first and the next batter, Tony Grannis, doubled down the left field line to score Vorpagel. TJ McCoy later lined out to center field and Grannis tagged from third base to give the Sabres a 2-0 lead.

In the second inning Tommy Dugandzic doubled to left field to plate a run and the Sabres opened up a 3-0 advantage.

The Cougars (12-12, 4-2 NACC) responded in its half of the second to score a run and cut the Sabres' lead to two.

Marian retaliated in the top of the third and pushed across two pivotal runs. DeBoer doubled to left field to score a run and Adam Ryan added an RBI to give the Sabres a 5-1 lead.

Marian (7-12, 5-3 NACC) stopped a late CUC rally to earn the win.

Dugandzic batted 3-for-4 with an RBI and Ty Gellinger, Grannis and Vorpagel each finished 2-for-4.

In game one Marian committed three errors and left 13 men stranded in scoring position and ultimately fell.

Ryan Blise batted 1-for-2 with a pair of RBIs and DeBoer went 2-for-4 knocked in two RBIs.

Marian returns to the diamond Wednesday, April 8 at against Ripon. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Herr-Baker Field.

#GoSabres