Central’s pitching staff gave up 30 hits yesterday to Loras, but still managed to split their series-opening doubleheader with the Duhawks. Game one started like many have for the Dutch this season; Central got out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first, and eventually raced out to an 8 – 2 lead after four. Loras started clawing back, and scored runs in the last three frames of the 7-inning contest to pull within one, but Central hung on, stranding the game-tying run at first base in their 8 – 7 victory. Catcher Mike Reuter hit a three-run blast in the first, then added a two-run jack in the third to drive in five for the game. Freshman Ryan Bouwman also had a solo homer in the win. Game two was all Loras, as they quickly got out to a 10 – 2 lead after three innings, before run-ruling Central in seven innings, 16 – 5. Bouwman contributed three more hits, as Central’s record now sits at 9 – 29 overall and they are 6 – 20 against league foes. Their season will conclude today, win or lose, with another doubleheader in Dubuque starting at 1:00 p.m.