Box Score CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The #4-seeded University of Dubuque Spartans opened the 2024 American Rivers Conference Baseball Tournament against the #5 seeded Loras College Duhawks. UD dropped the opener by a run losing 4-3, the fourth time the Spartans have lost to the Duhawks with every game being within two runs.

UD were held scoreless through five innings and with bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth scored twice to cut the Duhawks lead 4-2. The score was still 4-2 entering the bottom of the ninth when the Spartans opened with a strike out. J.D. Schaffer was hit by a pitch and made his way to first base and he was pitch run by #12 Matt Wolverton. Micah O'Neal  struck out for the second out. Kyle Radi singled to left field two put the tying runs on base. Jake Cekander came up to bat with runners at first and second and grabbed the infield single to load the bases with two outs. The single put Colin Husko up to bat. Husko collected a walk on a full count to earn the RBI and slicing the Duhawks lead to 4-3. The walk brought Aidan Elfering up to bat and he would bounce a slow roller to the infield for the final out. UD lost 4-3 in the league tournament opener.

The loss would place the Spartans against the #3 seeded Luther College Norse at Mount Mercy University baseball field in the following round. Jake Cekander led the Spartans offense going 2-4 at the plate and scoring a run. Colin Husko grabbed an RBI and scored a run. Luke Burgos and Maguire Fitzgerald both added an RBI in the loss.

Johnny Blake started and faced 31 batters and struckout seven and allowed five hits and took the loss.