DeVries shines, Central softball team sizzles in sweep
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA—Pitcher Annie DeVries (senior, Eldridge, North Scott HS) has always been the No. 2, the spot starter or the reliever, but she’s delivered in some key spots in her career and Saturday she sparkled like an ace with a two-hit shutout to help the Central College softball team sweep Iowa Conference rival Simpson College.
After a 7-2 win behind Mariah Fritz (junior, Tama, East Marshall HS) in the opener, DeVries blanked Simpson in a 6-0, six-inning triumph. The No. 23-rated Dutch improved to 16-6 overall and 3-1 in the league.
DeVries (6-2) walked two and needed just 69 pitches to silence the Storm (14-8 overall, 1-3 conference).
“We’ve felt all along that she’s capable,” coach George Wares said. “Her margin for error is not great but I think today, in calling the game, she maybe missed a half-dozen pitches, if that. That’s how spot on she was and she really kept them guessing. And when they made adjustments, we were able to make adjustments as well. If we keep getting that out of her, that’s going to help us a lot, obviously, moving forward.”
Central had three hits on the day from center fielder Sara Tallman (sophomore, Pella), left fielder Tabitha Taylor (senior, Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS), right fielder Shaye Witte (sophomore, West Des Moines, Waukee HS), catcher Emily Walton (senior, Cedar Rapids, Jefferson HS) and shortstop Daria Parchert (freshman, Illinois City, Ill., Rockridge HS). The Dutch rattled off 19 hits, including 11 in the nightcap. Walton had three RBIs while Tallman and pinch-runner/designated player Sadie Baugher (junior, Eddyville, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont HS) scored three runs. Central also swiped nine bases.
“I think we’re a good offensive team,” Wares said. “I’ve been saying that all year. We’ve got a lot of people who can do different things.”
Fritz (8-4) allowed a pair of unearned runs, scattering five hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
“Mariah, actually, had nothing working,” Wares said. “So I was really impressed that she was able to find ways to help us win because this was probably, to use a baseball term, the worst stuff she’s had. But she gutted it out and gave up just two unearned runs.”
The Dutch got a lift from beyond the field as well. They had breakfast with members of Central’s 1993 squad which was celebrating the 25th anniversary of its national championship season.
“It was really special,” Wares said. “They got up and they told some really, really heartfelt stories. You could see some tears from our players. I think that really had an impact because then when we as coaches went back to our team in the locker room, you could sense it on their faces. We talked a little more about it and what they got out of it. Those kinds of things are motivational, not that we needed it, but I think it gave us even more of a spark. I’m really humbled and glad that (the 1993 team members) all came back and I think they really enjoyed the day as well.”
Central has another home league doubleheader Wednesday, meeting Loras College at 2 p.m. at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex field. The Dutch defeated Loras three times last year, all by shutout, and leads the teams’ all-time series 52-10. The Duhawks are 13-10 overall and 1-1 in the conference after splitting with Wartburg College at Dubuque Saturday, winning 10-8 but tumbling 5-1. A video webcast and live stats Wednesday can be accessed through the Central athletics website at athletics.central.edu.
Central then makes a quick turnaround with a trip to Storm Lake Thursday for a 4 p.m. doubleheader that was originally slated for last Tuesday. It’s an important 24 hours, but Saturday’s wins ensure some momentum.
“If we were to have any chance to win the Iowa Conference, we had to win two today,” Wares said. “We couldn’t get another split at home. It puts us into a good spot going into the Loras games. We’re excited to have practice now and see what we do with a pretty grueling schedule coming up with, back to back, Loras at home and then Buena Vista at Storm Lake. But our whole thought right now is Loras. We’ve got nothing but respect for them.”
The Dutch are giving Wares an energy boost as well.
“This is a really fun team,” he said. “I have no idea where we’re going to end up, but this is a fun team to coach.”
