Central earns home baseball split with Buena Vista

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA — Central College junior shortstop Garrett Saunders (Bonaparte, Van Buren HS) had a two-run home run in a 7-3 win in game one and had three hits in a 7-6 10-inning loss in game two to Buena Vista University Friday afternoon.

“Garrett was really good today,” said coach Matt Schirm. “He was able to get going offensively after having a quiet weekend last week. With him being our leadoff hitter, he makes our engine go and it was good to see him on base today.”

Senior starting pitcher Dylan Diveney (Marshalltown) threw seven innings, scattering four hits, allowing one unearned run, striking out five and walking a pair of Beaver batters.

“Dylan was outstanding tonight,” said Schirm. “He was able to battle through his first inning and then really settled in allowing just one unearned run. It’s great having him on the mound.”

Relieving Diveney was sophomore reliever Rece Martin (Des Moines, Saydel HS), throwing two innings, allowing two unearned runs on two hits and struck out a trio.

Sophomore third baseman Kaiden Fiebelkorn (Brooklyn, BGM HS) collected three hits on the day and stole a base in the win.

Freshman reliever Ryan Riddle (Omaha, Neb., Mt. Michael HS) came on to pitch in the seventh inning of game two, throwing 3.2 innings, allowing a lone run on two hits while striking out five batters. Riddle was tagged with the loss but according to Schirm he gained valuable experience.

“Ryan threw the ball really well for us tonight,” he said. “He received the loss but I thought for his first Iowa Conference game he performed really well.”

The two teams clash again Saturday at noon to close out the three-game season series. Sophomore righty Zach Edwards (Des Moines, Lincoln HS) will toe the rubber for the Dutch.