Two tough losses for Central baseball team
Central College
WAVERLY — On a cold, dreary day the Central College baseball team dropped a pair of games to Iowa Conference leader Wartburg College 3-1 in 10 innings and 2-1 seven innings Saturday.
Originally, a three-game home series against the Knights (25-10 overall, 16-3 conference) had its doubleheader moved to Waverly due to forecasted weather with the final game being scheduled for a 3 p.m. first pitch Monday at A. N. Kuyper Complex at Pella.
“It’s been a tough week for our guys with having to deal with all the different schedule changes but I’m very proud of the way they competed today,” said coach Matt Schirm.
Junior pitcher Dylan Diveney (Marshalltown) started game one, throwing seven innings, striking out six, walking four, scattering four hits and allowing one run.
Freshman righty Zach Edwards (Des Moines, Lincoln HS) relieved Diveney, throwing three innings, surrendering two runs and striking out one.
Freshman hurler Nicholas Long (Marshalltown, East Marshall HS) received the loss in game two, throwing six innings, allowing two unearned runs and striking out three.
“Today, our pitching and defense were great, we just didn’t do enough offensively to win,” said Schirm.
Senior centerfielder Jacob Hirst (Davenport, Assumption HS) connected on his third home run of the year to tie the game at one in the opener. Hirst finished the day with two hits after a double in the finale.
The opportunity to clinch a spot in the league tournament is at stake for Central with its magic number being one. With a victory or a Loras College loss during the final week of play gets the Dutch back to the league tourney after missing out last season.
“Making the conference tournament was the goal at the beginning of the season,” said Schirm. “Once you make the tournament you have a chance. It comes down to who’s playing the best and who has the deepest pitching staff.”
Monday is Senior Day for Central. The team will honor its six seniors with a pregame ceremony. After a rough junior season, Schirm isn’t surprised the senior class responded.
“I know all of the guys were disappointed with how last season went as juniors,” he said. “The senior class has a ton of leadership, they were chomping at the bit last summer to get back on the field.”
