Pitching shines in Central softball sweep
Central College
KISSIMMEE, FLA.— Pitching and defense need to excel for the Central College softball team to be successful after graduating some big bats, and early results are encouraging, coach George Wares said after another Florida sweep Sunday.
The Dutch subdued Bluffton University (Ohio) 2-1 and Muskingum University (Ohio) 7-1. Three Central pitchers combined to scatter eight hits and yield just one earned run. Karly Olson (junior, Winterset) struck out nine to compensate for walking five batters—one intentionally—and limit Bluffton to five hits as she improved to 2-1.
In the nightcap, Trisha Smith (senior, New Hampton) surrendered just one hit—a pop-up to third base that was lost in the sun—over five innings of shutout ball against Muskingum (0-1). That’s the only hit she’s given up over eight innings in the past two days. Smith (3-0) struck out four and walked none.
“Right now, Trish has got good velocity,” Wares said. “That’s what we need from her. She hasn’t been hit very hard.”
Annie DeVries (sophomore, Eldridge, North Scott HS) threw the final two frames, giving up two hits with a walk and a strikeout.
“I thought that was one of Annie’s better performances this year,” Wares said. “Overall, I was pretty pleased with all three pitchers today.”
Meanwhile, the Dutch defense, while committing a couple of errors, sparkled much of the day. Paige Dickel (sophomore, Norwalk), who has seen limited action, got the starting nod at second base for both games and played like a veteran, with several savvy plays.
“Paige made dramatic strides,” Wares said. “That was good to see. (Third baseman) Sadie Baugher (freshman, Eddyville, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont HS) had some moments—more good than bad. Jess Wyant (sophomore, Van Meter, ADM HS) took a step up with a tremendous catch in center field. And I like what both of our catchers (Emily Walton, so., Cedar Rapids, Jefferson HS and Kylie Olson (freshman, Mapleton, Maple River HS) are doing. We’ve got some depth at a few positions. I’m happy with where we are as long as we keep making steps in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, the offense—where most fans focus—was efficient if not overpowering. The Dutch had just two extra-base hits on the day but 18 hits overall and stole nine bases, including seven against Muskingum. The two thefts they had against Bluffton may have been more impressive, because strong-armed catcher Carly Levindofske seemed particularly resistant to the notion of giving them up. She threw out three Dutch baserunners and made a big impression on Wares, as did pitcher Emily Scupholm.
“Their pitcher was the best we’ve seen so far this year and it was definitely the best catcher we’ve faced,” he said.
Bauer and Karly Olson each had two hits against Bluffton. The Dutch struck for their only runs in the second inning. Olson’s leadoff double led to Central’s first run and Dickel’s two-out single brought home Abbie Voas (sophomore, Chanhassen, Minn.), who knocked in the first tally with a squeeze bunt.
Left fielder Tabitha Taylor (sophomore, Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS) emerged from a mild early-season slump to contribute two hits against Muskingum as Central scored four times in the first three innings, then put the game away with a three-run sixth.
Wares said adjusting to the graduation of 10 players from last year’s club, including many of the most prolific bats, takes time.
“Offensively, what we are is what we are,” Wares said. “We’re still finding ourselves. We’re not 100 percent sure about our lineup, but we’ve got some people getting better. We’re just not there yet, which is not surprising if you look at everything we lost. We’re clearly not going to be a 40-home run-type team. But I’m pleased with our progress.”
Monday’s schedule presents additional challenges. The Dutch take on Thomas More (Ky.) at 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) and Mount St. Joseph (Ohio) at 3:45 p.m. Thomas More defeated Iowa Conference rival Coe College Sunday, 5-3, in its season opener. The Saints racked up 58 wins in the previous two seasons. Mount St. Joseph has eight players back from last year’s 19-13 club and took a 1-0-1 mark into Sunday’s action.
“Thomas More is picked to win its league,” Wares said. “But, especially where we are as a team right now, we can’t worry too much about other teams. We’re just trying to improve and get as many wins as we can.”
