Comeback bid falls short for Central baseball team
Central College
FORT MYERS, Fla. — After putting up two runs to start the inning, the Central College baseball team loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the ninth but was unable to find the last-minute magic to topple Denison University (Ohio) and the Dutch suffered a 4-2 loss Thursday.
Junior catcher Max Seeman (Panora, Panorama HS) punched an RBI single to right field to drive in Allen Mann (right fielder, junior, Marshalltown) and start off the Dutch scoring in the ninth. Moments later, third baseman Jordan Judkins (sophomore, Marshalltown) scored on a wild pitch that also advanced Seeman to third and left fielder Michael Jontz (junior, West Des Moines, Valley HS) to second.
Denison (4-6) walked center fielder Sam Stetzel, (junior, Perry) to load the bases, but the Dutch (7-3) were unable to capitalize.
“We had a very nice comeback and had the chance to tie it up,” said Coach Adam Stevens. “That’s a really positive trait for this team. We’re never going to give up. The leaders just need to find ways to chip away in the middle of the game. Every inning is important but it was good to be able to put the pressure on at the end.”
The Big Red, who lost to top-ranked Marietta College (Ohio) by a narrow 2-1 margin Wednesday and beat No. 24 Heidelberg University (Ohio) earlier in Florida, jumped on top in the fifth, driving in three runs and added the final score in the sixth.
Junior Ryan Goetzinger (Mason City) allowed four hits and three earned runs in six innings while tallying three strikeouts and three walks. Jontz came in in relief and allowed two hits and struck out one in two innings.
“Ryan had a really nice start,” said Stevens. “He threw the ball around well.”
Stetzel and Jontz each had three hits to lead the Dutch while Seeman drove in Central’s lone RBI.
Central amassed nine hits and left ten runners stranded while the defense committed three errors.
Central wraps up its spring break outing Friday, taking on 0-1 Lawrence University (Wis.) at 9 a.m. Eastern Time before doubling back for a noon showdown with Lasell College (Mass.). The Lasers take an 0-5 record into two games Thursday.
“We want to go out and finish the trip on a positive note,” said Stevens.
