Chicago, Ill. – With the weather finally allowing for baseball in Illinois, the sixth ranked Concordia University Chicago Cougars took to the field today against the North Park Vikings at the Holmgren Athletic Complex. Pitching was the story of the day for both teams, as CUC was able to push across two first inning runs. Four Cougar pitchers then combined for their third shutout of the season, downing North Park by a final score of 2-0. 

As a team, CUC combined for ten hits on the game. Andrew Massey, Mitch Wilson and Kevin Garcia all recorded multi-hit games. Joe Silva and Justin Rodriguezdrove home the only two runs for the Cougars. 

Noah Dressler took to the hill for his first start of the season. The sophomore went five innings, allowing just one fourth inning hit and no runs. Adam Schmittfollowed by tossing an inning and a third of no run ball. Alex Meyers played the role of setup man, escaping a two on one out jam in the seventh, throwing an inning and two thirds of shutout ball. Mike Formella then shut the door for CUC picking up his fourth save.

CUC got the only scoring of the game going in their initial at bats. Bryan VanDuser led off the inning with a double to right center. Silva quickly brought him home with a single through the right side. An error and a Mitch Wilson single then loaded the bases for Rodriguez. He then single to left field, driving home the second run of the inning for the Cougars. 

The pitching for both teams settled in from there. Dressler was able to keep the Vikings at bay, not allowing a hit until the fifth. For North Park Matt Pizur settled in, throwing the complete game, while allowing just the two first inning runs.

The Cougars (10-3) will continue their two day road trip tomorrow when they take on UW-Lacrosse in double header action tomorrow afternoon from Copeland Park. First pitch is set for 12:00pm.