Eagles Comeback Bid Falls Short In NCCAA Opener

Kansas City, MO - After playing on the final day of the CCAC Conference tournament, the Eagles were rested and ready to go for the opening game of the NCCAA World Series in Kansas City, Mo. The 10-team tournament matched the number 8 seed Eagles against the #9 seed Kansas Christian College Falcons. 

For fans of offense it was a great game. For fans of perhaps keeping things on schedule, not so much as the game saw a combined 28 runs on 33 hits. 

Each team scored a single run in the first inning. KCC then took control after scoring five runs in the 3rd, three in the 4th, and five more in the 5th inning. 

But in true Eagles fashion, the team did not quit. JU grinded out at bats, and kept pushing across runs trying to cut into the deficit. The Eagles got a five spot of their own in the sixth inning, and three more in the 8th to make it a white-knuckle finish. 

For Judson, the 6th inning saw RBI hits by Blake Stempowski, Kevin Flores, and Austin Stone. Ryan Pitzer got the big hit in the 8th inning with a three run double. 

Chasing three runs in the bottom of the 9th, Judson got the bases loaded on three singles. Then, got a run on a Flores walk. With the bases still loaded, and a hit needed to possibly tie, or win the game, Austin Stone ripped a line drive that was caught by the center-fielder to end the game, stranding the bases loaded. Judson fell with a final score of 15-13. 

Blake Stempowski and Kyle Schwartz led things with each having a 4-hit game. Blake, and Ryan Pitzer led with 3 RBI's each. 

For all of the runs and hits for both teams, not a single ball left the yard. 

While the Eagles out-hit the Falcons, JU just could not limit the damage on the mound. All season long, the Judson pitching staff has been able to get out of jams, but it was not to be on this day. 

Senior Ryan Risch got the start on the mound, and was credited with the loss. 

Now in the loser's bracket of the double-elimination tournament, Judson will play Monday morning as they will fight to stay alive and make the long road back to a deep run in the tournament. 

The opponent is unknown at this time, but it will be against the loser of the Jessup versus Campbellsville loser on Monday at 11am cst.