Lubbock Christian University Baseball Falls in the NAIA World Series Championship Game

Lubbock Christian University faced a mountain of obstacles yesterday in their quest for the 2011 Avista-NAIA World Series championship.

First, LCU had to win an afternoon game against Lee University that was rained out Thursday night, just to advance to the Championship Game against Concordia later that evening.  Secondly, LCU lost the services of an undetermined number of players due to suspension because of a violation of team rules.  Finally, LCU's pitching staff was taxed after playing five games in five days.

LCU's path to the Avista-NAIA World Series Championship Game was completed Friday afternoon with a 10-2 win of Lee.

But the Avista-NAIA World Series Championship Game was not kind to the Chaps as their offense and pitching sputtered against Concordia in a 9-3 loss. (Box Score)

Concordia jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 3rd inning and the Chaps responded with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning off of a fielder's choice and error to take a 2-1 lead.

However, LCU starting pitcher Cameron Ray was only able to pitch 2 2/3 innings, putting pressure on LCU's bullpen.

In the 4th inning, Concordia immediately responded with 3 unearned runs scoring off of a bases loaded triple against LCU reliever Shane Ingram. A throwing error by LCU's Richard Bohlken had extended the inning.

LCU tacked on their final run of the game in the bottom of the 4th inning with a home fun from Austin Stewart. The homer made the score 4-3 Concordia.

After four scoreless innings, Concordia then busted the game open in the top of the 9th by scoring 5 runs off of four different LCU relievers.

Blake Harrison pitched a complete game for Concordia giving up 3 runs off of 6 hits, no walks and 3 strikeouts.