Box Score Box Score

 Playing in chilly weather on their home field, Cougar baseball came up short with a comeback attempt on Monday, falling to Concordia 6-3.

CSUSM drops to 11-9 this year.  CUI improves to 9-6.

Cougar starter Adam Bileckyj battled hard, tossing 5 2/3 innings and allowing just two runs.  He worked around 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 3 batters.  The loss drops him to 1-2 this season.

After Concordia scored in the top of the first, CSUSM answered in the second with a Johnny Omahen RBI double, scoring Anthony Renteria.  Concordia would re-take a 2-1 lead in the fourth though, then blow the game open with a 4-run seventh inning that started with a grounder that took a very bad hop on first baseman Kevin Silvett.  The inning was keyed by a two-run home run from Concordia catcher John Hill.

CSUSM wasn't done, however, and made things interesting in the bottom of the inning.  Jeremy Baum led off with a single, Omahen drew a walk, and catcher Andrew Volk came through with a big base hit through the left side to plate Baum.  Kyle Secciani then drew a walk, and a Trent Jemmett sac fly cut the lead to 6-3.  But after a pop-out, pinch runner Cory McCloskey was thrown out trying to score on an Austin Coleman single, ending the inning.

The Cougars would get solid relief efforts from Andrew Larson and Matt Rossio to keep them within striking distance, but Concordia reliever Jake Hovis closed out the game.

CSUSM will be back at home tomorrow against San Diego Christian.