Eagles Breakout Season Ends At NCCAA World Series

Kansas City, MO - Coming off of a big time win, mixed with a little weather delay, the Eagles were back at it in the NCCAA World Series. This time against Concordia MI in a win or go home game. Down to the final eight of the 10 team tournament, both teams came into the game with a loss, trying to make their way through the loser's bracket. 

Concordia got out to an early lead with two runs in the first inning, and another in the third inning. 

Judson got on the scoreboard with Kevin Flores scoring in the 5th inning on an error, and Flores contributing a sacrifice fly in the 8th inning. 

In true Eagles never quit fashion, JU was down 6-2 going into the bottom of the 9th inning. 

After the first two batters were retired, the comeback was on with three straight walks to load the bases. 

Then, senior Daley Thompson came to the plate and belted a bases clearing double to bring the score to 6-5. Judson had five hits in the game, and four of them came from the bat of Thompson who also had 3 RBI's. 

With the tying run on second base, and a pitching change made, Hudson Deal came to the plate, and on the first pitch just got under the ball to pop out, ending the game with the final score 6-5. 

With the loss, Judson was knocked out of the NCCAA tournament, ending their season. 

But, it was a season to be proud of certainly for the Eagles. They finished the year 31-25, were regular season CCAC Conference Champions, and NCCAA qualifiers. 

Head Coach Evan Ruechel was named CCAC and NCCAA North Central Region Coach of the Year. 

The Eagles had seven players named to All-Conference Teams, and seven players named to the NCCAA North Central All Region team, with All-Americans still to be announced. 

Those players include: Hudson Deal, Kevin Flores, Kyle Schwartz, Nate Stempowski, Daley Thompson, Blake Stempowski, Matt Johnston, and Alijah Acevedo. 

Hudson Deal was named the North Central All Region Player of the Year. Kevin Flores won a conference Gold Glove Award. 

It was a remarkable turnaround from a season ago highlighted with so many positives. 

We are eager to see what is in store next season for Eagles Baseball.