Dutch offense explodes in baseball victory
Central Dutch Athletics
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — A heat wave hit the Central College baseball team’s offense Sunday morning in a 12-6 triumph over Anderson University (Ind.) at the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational.
Central (6-3) fell behind in the top of the first inning after sophomore pitcher Zach Edwards (Des Moines, Lincoln HS) surrendered a three-run home run. The Dutch bats responded to the deficit with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the first.
“Zach threw a good game today,” said coach Matt Schirm. “He really battled and I was really happy with his resolve after he gave up the home run in the first inning. He gave up the home run with one out and then responded by getting the next two guys out.”
“We’ve been able to counter our team’s punches all year so far. I was happy to see our guys do it again today.”
Edwards earned his first win on the season, throwing five innings, allowing seven hits, surrendering six runs and striking out five batters.
Freshman Tyler Steward (Norwalk) earned his first career save, throwing four innings of no-hit ball while walking a lone batter and striking out four.
“Tyler has done a great job for us this year,” said Schirm. “I’m very excited about the way Tyler has performed this year.”
Central’s top four hitters in the lineup finished a combined 12-18 (.667) with four RBIs. Junior shortstop Garrett Saunders (Bonaparte, Van Buren HS) went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, junior center fielder Coy Moore () went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, junior first baseman Ryan Bouwman (Bloomington, Ill., Normal HS) was 2-for-3 with an RBI and sophomore left fielder Tanner Wood (Pella) went 4-for-5 with a double and an RBI.
“The top of our lineup has done a great job so far this year,” said Schirm. “It’s a credit to Coach (Zach) Duetscher. He’s a big reason our offense has been so successful this year. Garrett has some ridiculous numbers so far this year and has really started to set the table for us in the leadoff position. Tanner really played well today. He hit the ball hard each time he was up.”
The Dutch continue invitational play Monday with a pair of games. Game one is against Becker University (Mass.) beginning at 9 a.m. and a game against Renesselaer Polytechnic Institute (N.Y.) follows game one.
