In home opener, Central baseball bats go cold

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA — With just five hits, the Central College baseball team could not generate enough offense in a 7-3 loss against Wartburg College on Saturday afternoon in the team’s first home contest of the season.

The Dutch (11-4, 1-3 American Rivers Conference) could only notch three hits off of Wartburg (6-11, 3-1 conference) starter Dylan Gotto in eight innings.

“He kept us off balance and worked down in the zone,” coach Matt Schirm. “Ultimately, we needed to string together more quality at-bats.”

Central scored two of its three runs in the ninth inning off of reliever Arron Eybers.

Second baseman Chris Riddle (senior, Omaha, Neb., Mount Michael HS) and right fielder Tanner Wood (senior, Pella) each had 2-for-4 performances at the plate, Riddle driving in one run.

Joe Rebik (junior, left fielder, Marshalltown) scored two of the three runs and also had an RBI.

In 6.1 innings on the hill, starting pitcher Nick Long (junior, Marshalltown, East Marshall HS) struck out six while allowing five total runs and four earned.

“He did everything we need him to do,” Schirm said. “Typically, we’ll be right there in every game if our starter only gives up four runs.”

Marcus Wenzel (sophomore, Chicago, Ill., Luther College Prep) allowed three runs in two innings and Kyle Wright (sophomore, Machester, West Delaware HS) secured the final two outs without allowing a run.

Central will got another crack at the Knights tomorrow, hosting a doubleheader against Wartburg starting at 1 p.m.

“We’ve proven that we can be resilient,” Schirm said. “We know we can play a lot better than today. If we play to our potential, I like our chances against anybody.”

A video webcast and live stats of Sunday’s action can be accessed through the Central athletics website at athletics.central.edu