It was an inning that got away and it was enough to cost Central College its home-season opener with Grinnell College Wednesday before rebounding for a doubleheader split.

A five-run fifth inning for the upstart Pioneers (10-4) helped them hold off No. 15-rated Central 5-3 before the Dutch (13-5) answered with a convincing 10-2 five-inning victory.

Center fielder Sara Tallman’s of Pella average continued to soar, with four hits in the two games. She was 3-for-3 in the nightcap with three runs scored and three stolen bases. It was Grinnell’s first-ever softball win over the Dutch. Central leads the teams’ limited all-time series 7-1.

The Iowa Conference whirlwind begins Friday with a twinbill against Coe College at 2 p.m. at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex field.