Central Scores Stunning Softball Runaways over Wartburg
The fears were about Wartburg College’s prolific base stealers but it was the Central College softball team that ran wild in a pair of stunning 5-inning runaways Tuesday 10-2 and 8-0.
The Dutch (17-6 overall, 4-0 American Rivers) moved back into the NFCA Division III ratings earlier in the day at No. 24 and looked like they intend to stay in the rankings after pilfering 11 bases, including eight in just four innings in the opener.
Central upped its season total to 80 steals, as Carson Fisk had three stolen bases in the opening game and Haley Bach had two. Wartburg was battle-tested, playing one of the most daunting non-conference schedules in Division III and took a 1-0 lead in the first inning of game one. But Sydni Huisman squirmed free of what could have been more extensive damage and then the Dutch erupted for six runs in the second inning and four in the third. Bach had two hits of Central’s seven hits, including a triple, and drove in three runs. She had three hits and five RBIs on the day, while Rylee Dunkin had two hits. Morgan Schaben improved to 5-0 in the circle with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing one hit and no walks.
Central was nursing a 2-0 lead in the second game until erupting for six runs in the fifth inning. Hannah Higgins, who had four hits on the day, was 3-for-3 in the nightcap with four RBIs, getting a three-run double in the fifth. The Dutch ended it on a two-run double by Bach later in the inning. Pitcher Emma Beck had one of her steadiest outings against the dangerous Knight lineup, allowing four hits and three walks while striking out two over 5.0 innings to improve to 6-4.
The Central softball team is set for another league twinbill on Saturday, traveling to the University of Dubuque for games at 1 and 3 pm.
Dutch Baseball Team Dealt Late Loss at Coe
An eighth inning home run by the Coe College baseball team spoiled a pitching gem from Central baseball sophomore Brayden Sawyer in a 2-1 loss in game two Tuesday. The Kohawks completed a series sweep of the Dutch (9-15, 3-6 conference) after previously winning in Pella last Thursday and winning Tuesday’s opener 14-4 in eight innings.
Making his second start of his career, Sawyer went 8.0 innings with just six hits and two earned runs while walking none and striking out three. He was tagged for a home run to lead off the eighth inning to ultimately take the loss. He needed only 77 pitches to get through eight innings. Catcher Caleb Douglass had two hits, including an RBI single in the seventh to score Central’s lone run.
Batting leadoff in game one, Logan McCoy had three hits and drove in three of Central’s four runs. Dom DeLaPaz had two hits in each game, while Colton DeRocher had a solo home run in game one and two hits in the nightcap. Freshman Boston DeVault was the losing pitcher in game one, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and a walk in 3.1 innings.
Central is set for another weekend home series against the University of Dubuque, starting at 3 pm. on Friday.
Central Notches Men’s Tennis Shutout Victory at Simpson
The Central College men’s tennis team made quick work of Simpson College in a 9-0 shellacking Tuesday afternoon. Central (5-10, 2-1 American Rivers Conference) also had a second unit play at home against Grand View University Tuesday afternoon, taking a 6-3 loss.
Playing with five players, the Storm gave Central forfeit wins at No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles. Ayden Fletcher provided a 6-2, 6-2 victory at No. 1 singles. At No. 4 singles, Travis Subbert was one of two Dutch players to win 6-0, 6-0, with Alex Slaymaker recording the other such victory at No. 5. AJ Wilkins was a 6-1, 6-2 winner at No. 2 singles and Alejo Marcon won 6-2, 6-1 at No. 3 singles. That duo won 8-2 at No. 1 doubles. Fletcher and Slaymaker won 8-0 at No. 2 doubles.
Central is off for 10 days before returning to competition on Friday, April 19th against the University of Dubuque.