Dutch Offense Struggles to Find Runs in Baseball Losses

The hits were there for the Central College baseball team but the runs did not follow in a pair of losses against Nebraska Wesleyan University Saturday, heard live on 92.1 KRLS. The Dutch (11-13, 5-7 American Rivers Conference) fell 6-1 against the Prairie Wolves in the first game and lost 8-0 in the nightcap.

Central recorded 14 total hits on the day, including three apiece from right fielder Colton DeRocher and pitcher/first baseman Declan O’Hare. Central left 17 runners on base over 18 innings and struck out 11 times. Central also hit into four double plays and a triple play. The only run of the day for Central scored on a bases loaded RBI walk taken by first baseman Garrett Finley in the third inning of game one.

O’Hare suffered the loss on the mound in the opener. Just two of the four runs charged to him were earned while he struck out six and allowed four hits and a walk. Zach DeMarlie was game two’s losing pitcher, giving up seven runs in 5.1 innings. He gave up 10 hits with two walks and a strike out.

Landon Thiele, Caleb Evans, Parker Jones and Wes Hamor threw a combined 5.2 innings out of the bullpen, giving up three runs. Despite the loss, head coach Casey Klunder was happy with the progress he’s seen from his pitching staff.

“Our pitching staff has really improved. We’re not where we want to be and where we are going to be, but we’re further down the road than we were a year ago.”

Central has a single nine-inning game on the road Tuesday at 3 p.m. to finish the season series with the University of Dubuque.

Central 14th in Huge Illinois Men’s Golf Tourney

A small slip in scoring resulted in a five-spot slide in the standings for the Central College men’s golf team in a crowded field at the Illinois Wesleyan Invitational Saturday.

Part of a five-way tie for ninth place after Friday’s round, Central finished at 306-310—616, tying for 14th in a massive 37-team field, but was just five shots out of eighth. Central, which played the par-72 Ironwood Golf Course Friday, moved to the par-71 Weibring Golf Course Saturday.

Kyle Gabos shot 77-76—153 and had Central’s best round of the day. He and Jake Moffett, who shot 76-77—153, tied for 49th in a 213-player field. Lucas Wendel shot 78-78—156, Harold Dobernecker had 75-82–157 and Cole McGriff had 79-79—158. Central also had a pair of individual entrants. Jacob Brainerd shot 82-78–160 and Charlie Gaer had 90-91–181.

Central is off next week and then returns to Illinois April 21-22, traveling to Decatur for the 36-hole Take Back the Night Challenge at the Red Tail Run Golf Course. The Dutch tee off at 1 p.m. Friday, April 21 and 8 a.m. Saturday. Central was sixth in a 12-team field at the tourney last year.