GAME 1 BOX | GAME 2 BOX

MINNETONKA, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State dropped a pair of heartbreaking games to Concordia-St. Paul on Thursday losing 1-0 and 3-2.  The games were played at Minnetonka High School due to poor field conditions at CU's Barnes Field. 

In the opener, CU pushed across the game's only run with an unearned run in the fifth, while in game two the Golden Bears scored in the bottom of the ninth on a walk-off single to pick up the victory.

SMSU drops to 10-22-1 overall, 5-14 NSIC with the two losses, while CU improves to 14-10 overall, 7-5 NSIC.  

In game one, Brandan Alfson (1-2) was the tough-luck loser for SMSU, allowing just two hits and one walk, while recording four strikeouts.  Alfson threw 79 pitches in the game with 56 for strikes. 

SMSU was held to just one hit in the game, but had five bases on balls, while leaving eight men on base.  The Mustangs had their best chance to tie the game or take the lead in the seventh, loading the bases with two walks and a hit by pitch, but CU pitcher Griff Kilber retired Jordon Kontz on a deep fly to left field to save the game. 

Zach Rengel earned the victory for the Golden Bears allowing just one hit in 6 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts. 

Kyle Young had SMSU's lone hit in the opener, while Jon Ellis walked twice and stole two bases. 

In game two, SMSU opened the game's scoring in the first inning with Ellis leading off the game with a double and coming around to score on an RBI single by Kontz.

CU answered with an unearned run in the home half of the first scoring on a passed ball. 

The game remained 1-1 until the eighth, when CU's Trevon Bargfrede drilled a solo homer to left field to give the Golden Bears a 2-1 lead. 

SMSU wouldn't quit and quickly tied the game in the ninth as Young started the rally with a one-out double to right-center field.  Steven Kremer then connected with a run-scoring single to left to score Young and tie the game at 2-2.  Pinch hitter Ryan Engels walked moving pinch runner Mason Schnaible into scoring position, but a strikeout and ground out ended the threat and keeping the game tied at 2-2.

In the bottom of the ninth, CU used a leadoff single, a sac bunt, a wild pitch and two intentional walks to load the bases.  Pinch hitter Jared Kramer then lifted a deep fly to left that dropped for a hit and giving the Golden Bears the victory.

Travis McGlauflin had another strong start on the mound for the Mustangs, allowing six hits and two runs (one earned) in 7 2/3 innings, with four strikeouts and just one walk.  Dylan Shoemaker (0-1) took the loss for SMSU.

SMSU finished game two with seven hits, with Kontz leading the charge going 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Southwest Minnesota State continues conference play this weekend with a four-game series versus Northern State on Saturday and Sunday.  Saturday's twin bill will be played in Sioux Falls, S.D., at Augustana College beginning at 3:30 p.m.   A decision on where and when the games will be played on Sunday will be announced on Friday or Saturday.