Dutch earn baseball split against Loras
Central College
DUBUQUE — The Central College baseball team split a doubleheader with Iowa Conference foe Loras College Saturday, 7-6 in 11 innings and 13-10 in seven innings.
“We had a lot of opportunities to extend the lead in the first game but couldn’t get it done,” said coach Matt Schirm. “It was a good job of our guys bouncing back and getting game two.”
Central (17-15 overall, 9-7 conference) combined for 28 hits, while Loras (12-18 overall, 5-10 conference) had 20.
Senior outfielder Jacob Hirst (Davenport, Assumption HS) went 4-for-8, including a double, a triple and a two-run home run. Hirst finished with four RBIs.
“Jake’s home run was huge for us, it gave us a cushion for the seventh,” said Schirm.
Senior right fielder Seth Griffiths (Ottumwa) went 3-for-9 and stole four bases. Griffiths 26 stolen bases are a school record and he leads the conference.
“Seth has done a great job setting the table for us,” said Schirm. “I know the record was a goal of his and I knew he had the ability to do it. The thing about him is that he doesn’t always have to hit the ball hard to reach base because he’s so fast.”
Senior second baseman Noah Stochl (New Hampton) went 5-for-9 with a double and two RBIs and senior third baseman Zach Brown (Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) went 4-for-7 with a double and a run scored.
Junior pitcher Dylan Diveney (Marshalltown) threw six innings in game one, surrendering two runs, one earned run, walking three batters, giving up one hit and striking out five.
“Dylan didn’t have his best stuff today but he battled through it and gave us a chance to win,” said Schirm.
Junior pitcher Kyle Crampton (Omaha, Neb., Millard South HS) earned the win in game two, throwing 2.1 innings, allowing one run, giving up two hits and striking out one.
Freshman pitcher Robert Stanton (Des Moines, Roosevelt HS) recorded the save, getting one out in the seventh inning.
Central continues league play Tuesday with a doubleheader against Nebraska Wesleyan with first pitch at 1 p.m. The Dutch won the first matchup against the Prairie Wolves (12-23 overall, 5-14 conference) 7-6 at Lincoln, Neb.
“We talk about winning every series and we have a chance to do it on Tuesday,” said Schirm. “We will get our rest tomorrow and make sure we are ready to go Tuesday.”
