Central baseball squad scores 21 runs in 18 innings Saturday

MANKATO, MINN. — The Central College baseball team piled up a 14-3 win in the opener against Bethany Lutheran College (Minn.) before stumbling in a 10-7 loss in the nightcap.

The 14-run outburst against the Vikings (2-9) in the opener was the most for the Dutch (6-12) this season. Third baseman Quinn Miller (junior, Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) was 3-for-4 at the plate while shortstop Kyle Hauser (senior, Poplar Grove, Ill., Belvidere North HS) was 2-for-3. Right fielder Landon Vander Leest (junior, Pella) added a 2-RBI triple.

“Our bats came alive in game one, which was good to see,” coach Matt Schirm said. “We also took advantage of their mistakes.”

In the doubleheader, catcher Trevor Kimm (senior, Urbandale) was 4-for-9 with 6 RBI, a double and a home run.

“Trevor hit very well,” Schirm said. “It was great to see him break out.”

Marcus Wenzel (senior, Chicago, Ill., Luther North College Prep) struck out six in 6.0 innings as a starter in game one to earn his second victory of the season.

Relieve Kurby Vowels (sophomore, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) took the loss in game two after allowing three runs 1.1 innings. Ryan Riddle (senior, Omaha, Neb., Mount Michael HS) got the starting nod and struck out five but walked four and hit two batters. Kyle Wright (senior, Manchester, West Delaware HS) got the final eight outs out of the bullpen and steadied the ship for Central.

“Kyle did well,” Schirm said. “He gave us a chance to come back at the end.”

Central has a four-game series at the University of Dubuque starting Friday at 1 p.m.

“We’re excited to get back into conference play,” Schirm said.