Patten RHP Issac Duran was able to keep the Lions in this one for 6 2/3 innings. However, CF Steven McMichael reached on an error, and the unearned run scored by 3B Ryan DiMascio became the winning run. The Eagles got another run in the seventh on an RBI single by LF Kyle Konicek. The two relievers who replaced Duran in the eighth were ineffective, turning a pretty good ball game into a rout.
The defending champions got a complete game from RHP Brent Clapper, who held the Lions to five hits, struck out 11, and didn't walk a batter.
The Eagles got on the board in the third inning with a leadoff triple by SS Matt Palmer. Palmer scored on a sacrifice fly by the next batter, 2B Daniel Shine. The Eagles left the bases loaded in the fourth; Duran got two key strikeouts, then fielded a ground ball and threw it home for the force out to end the inning.
The Lions tied it in the sixth with an RBI single by 3B Perry Rogan.
Duran allowed only six hits, one earned run, struck out seven, and walked two. Mike McReynolds went 2-for-3 for the Lions. Konicek went 3-for-4. Palmer and RF Ty Holm went 2-for-4.
The Eagles are 4-4 after losing four games to Division II teams; three of those losses were to Cal Poly Pomona, who are undefeated.
The Eagles have a good-quality ballpark, with a well-maintained field. The center field fence is 400' from home plate.
Story from Concordia-Irvine site
Watch this site for a interview with Concordia Coach Mike Grahovac in the next few days.