Dutch drop Iowa Conference baseball opener

Central College

PELLA — An early two-run lead slips away from the Central College baseball team Saturday in its Iowa Conference opener against the University of Dubuque.

Central (5-9 overall, 0-1 conference) gave up an opening run in the top of the first inning before plating three runs in the bottom half. The Dutch batted through their lineup in the first but stranded the bases loaded.

“One of our goals is to have a big inning, which is three or more runs in an inning, every game and to have that right away in the first inning was a good sign,” said coach Matt Schirm.

Freshman outfielder Tanner Wood (Pella) led Central with three doubles in four plate appearances, three RBIs and scored two runs and senior catcher Michael Reuter (Monticello) went 2-for-4 and scored a run.

“Tanner’s been a great addition to our team,” said Schirm. “He’s fit in great with the team and is well respected from his peers. He had a good start to his conference season.”

Sophomore pitcher Charlie Palmer (Chariton) received the loss after throwing four innings, giving up six runs, four earned, walking four and striking out four Spartan hitters.

“Charlie battled today,” said Schirm. “I don’t think he had his best stuff today.”

Freshman righty Zach Edwards (Des Moines, Lincoln HS) relieved Palmer and threw five innings, giving up four hits, surrendering two runs, walking two and striking out one.

“Zach has an advanced command of his pitches for a freshman,” said Schirm.

Right-handed pitcher Nicholas Long (Marshalltown, East Marshall HS) toes the rubber for Central Sunday in game one of a doubleheader with the first pitch at Noon.

Long has been solid in his last two outings, giving up just four runs in 13 innings while striking out 11.