Scottsdale, Az. — March 13, 2010 — Despite a 3-for-4 performance from John Schmaltz, the Springfield College baseball team dropped its 2010 season opener by a 3-1 score to Concordia University of Illinois in Arizona Saturday afternoon.

With the win, Concordia (Ill.) is now 3-2, while Springfield falls to 0-1.

Schmaltz, a junior outfielder from Cromwell, Conn., had three hits in four trips to the plate, including a double. Last season, Schmaltz also started off on fire by going eight for his first eight at bats in Arizona. As a team, the Pride had six hits, including a double by sophomore catcher Karl Quist (New Preston, Conn.).

Junior RHP Steve Forbes (Northport, N.Y.) received the start for SC, and gave up all three runs, although only one was earned, in four innings of work. He also gave up five hits and two walks, while striking out four. Senior Ryan White (Colchester, Conn.) pitched the final four innings, giving up just two hits and no runs. He allowed five walks, and struck out two.

Concordia scored one run in the second inning. The Pride tied it on a an unearned run in the third, the run coming home on an error. Concordia added two runs in the fourth.

Defense played a key role in keeping it close for SC. Sophomore IF Mike Corletta (Westtown, N.Y.) made an outstanding diving play in the hole. And junior Peter Calandra (Camden, N.Y.) made a great diving catch in shallow right field later on with two men on.

On Sunday, SC will play Brockport in its second game of its seven-game Arizona trip.