Lisle, IL. — Illinois Tech (21-21) narrowly fell to Concordia University Chicago (23-18) in a 4-3 defeat on Friday. Despite a strong effort with 10 hits and a solo stolen base, the Scarlet Hawks could not overcome the Cougars' late run in the ninth inning. Illinois Tech finishes the year with a record of 21-21. Concordia Chicago has a record of 23-18.
How it Happened
Illinois Tech faced Concordia Chicago in a competitive matchup, resulting in a narrow 4-3 loss. The Cougars took an early lead in the first inning with Jake Mahler's solo home run, establishing a 1-0 advantage.
The Scarlet Hawks responded in the fifth inning.
Kendall Miyasato singled to left field, followed by
Tanner Jenkins' single, which advanced Miyasato to third.
Jonah Wilkes delivered a key hit with a two-RBI single to left field, scoring both Miyasato and Jenkins, giving Illinois Tech a 2-1 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, Concordia Chicago regained the lead. Brendan Holloway singled, and Jake Mahler tripled to left field, bringing Holloway home. Brandon Mahler followed with a double, scoring Jake Mahler, which put the Cougars ahead 3-2.
The seventh inning saw Illinois Tech tying the game.
Jack Friar was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on a groundout.
Quinton Riepl then singled to right field, bringing Friar home and leveling the score at 3-3.
Concordia Chicago clinched the win in the ninth inning. Brendan Holloway doubled to right field and scored on Brandon Mahler's single, resulting in a final score of 4-3.
Scarlet Hawk Pitchers
Cameron Bracewell pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs while striking out three batters and walking two. He threw a total of 86 pitches, with 54 of them being strikes.
John Gori relieved Bracewell, pitching 2 2/3 innings and allowing three hits and one earned run. Gori struck out two batters and issued four walks, throwing 48 pitches with 24 strikes.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Jack Friar
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- 2 hits
- 1 run
- 1 hit by pitch
Quinton Riepl
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- 3 hits
- 1 RBI
Jonah Wilkes
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- 1 hit
- 2 RBIs
Cameron Bracewell
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- 5 2/3 innings pitched
- 3 strikeouts
Tanner Jenkins
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- 1 hit
- 1 run
- 1 stolen base
Concordia Chicago Top Performers
Jake Mahler
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- 2 runs
- 2 RBIs
- 1 home run
Brendan Holloway
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- 2 runs
- 2 hits
- 1 double
Brandon Mahler
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- 2 hits
- 2 RBIs
- 1 double
Ryan Renella
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- 5 innings pitched
- 5 strikeouts
Kyle Connelly
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- 4 innings pitched
- 3 strikeouts
Game Notes:
- The Scarlet Hawks fall to 7-11 lifetime against the Cougars, losing the last six contests.
Season recap
The 2026 season marked a competitive and promising campaign for the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks finishing with an overall record of 21-21 and a strong 15-9 conference mark, the Hawks secured the #4 seed in the NACC Tournament, demonstrating significant improvement.
The season opened dramatically in late February at Grand Park in Westfield, IN, with a walk-off 10-9 victory in 11 innings against Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Early non-conference play was mixed, featuring high-scoring affairs and road challenges in California against teams like Caltech (where they swept a doubleheader) and Whittier. Conference play brought momentum, highlighted by a sweep of Marian University with 29 combined hits and a four-game winning streak in mid-April, including a sweep of St. Norbert.
Offensively, the Scarlet Hawks were explosive, batting around .317 as a team with strong power and speed. Senior
Tyler Gutsfeld anchored the lineup as a four-time All-NACC performer, leading the team with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs while posting a .991 OPS. Sophomore
Philip Bentz delivered a standout .413 batting average, and junior
Jack Friar dominated on the bases with 24 stolen bases. Freshmen like
Ryan Fostiak,
Quinton Riepl, and
Logan Inman provided impact bats and future promise, earning All-Conference honorable mention honors.
Pitching showed flashes of dominance but faced consistency challenges in a hitter-friendly environment. The team excelled at Ed Glancy Field going 9-2.
Overall, 2026 represented a step forward for Illinois Tech baseball. With a core of veterans and impactful freshmen, the Scarlet Hawks showcased growth, offensive firepower, and postseason experience. Fans can look ahead to 2027 with optimism as the program will look to take another step.
