Dutch split baseball doubleheader
Central College
LAKELAND, Fla. — The Central College baseball team earned a split in a doubleheader with Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, winning 12-0 before dropping game two 5-4 Friday.
“We did a pretty good job offensively through the first game and part of the second game,” said coach Matt Schirm. “Pitching overall was pretty positive; we only gave up five runs in the two games.”
Central (4-7) rattled off six runs in the second inning and followed with four more in the third. Ten runs was plenty of support for freshman pitcher Nicholas Long (Marshalltown, East Marshall HS). Long threw a complete-game shutout, giving up four hits, walking two batters and struck out three.
“I think we will get performances like this from Nick consistently,” said Schirm. “He was around the zone all day and I’m excited to see how he does against conference competition.”
Senior outfielder Seth Griffiths (Ottumwa) went 3-for-5 with three runs scored, two RBIs and stole two bags, senior second baseman Noah Stochl (New Hampton) had two hits in four at-bats, including a triple and drove in four runs.
“Seth and Noah are seeing the ball great,” said Schirm. “Every time up they hit the ball hard, whether it was a hit or not they were putting together quality at-bats.”
Central collected 13 hits in game one and 10 hits in game two.
Junior pitcher Dylan Diveney (Marshalltown) returned to the bump for the Dutch after missing most of last season with an injury. Diveney threw 2.2 innings, surrendering one hit, walking one batter and struck out two.
“It’s really good to get Dylan back on the mound because he’s such a good pitcher,” said Schirm. “The most important thing is trying to keep him healthy. It’s great to see him out there because he’s one of the best pitchers in our conference.”
The Dutch finish their spring break trip Saturday with a doubleheader against Franklin & Marshall College (Pa.) with first pitch at 10 a.m. Following the doubleheader, Central begins Iowa Conference play Friday at Pella against the University of Dubuque.
