STORM LAKE — Despite connecting for 15 hits in game two, the Central College baseball team was bested 16-9 after falling 7-2 in the opener and were swept by Buena Vista University on Saturday.
Central's offensive approach has been the same all season, but the Dutch (7-7, 5-9 Iowa Conference) showed great progress with a 15-hit performance in the nightcap, the second highest total for them in a game this spring.
"We always talk about keeping it simple at the plate," coach Matt Schirm said. "We preach swinging at good pitches and taking pitches out of the zone. We did a good job of that today. Balls that were in the zone, we were able to barrel up and make some good swings."
Central started strong in the first inning of game two, with back-to-back home runs by Michael Reuter (junior, Monticello) and Kyle Crampton (sophomore, Omaha, Neb., Millard South HS).
"Both of those guys, as well as some other guys, have stepped up their power production this year," Schirm said. "They've had some big hits for us."
Reuter finished the game 3-for-5 with three RBIs and Crampton was 2-for-5 with two runs scored.
Right fielder Adam Lindell (senior, Denver, Colo., Arapahoe HS) matched his season high with three hits out of the No. 7 spot in the lineup in game two.
"Adam was really hot down in Florida," Schirm said. "He hasn't quite gotten back to that level yet, but he's been working really hard to get there. Hopefully this weekend was a step in the right direction."
The 23 runs scored by the Beavers was aided by a total of 13 walks and hit-by-pitches allowed by the Dutch pitching staff.
"Overall, we didn't perform well on the mound today," Schirm said. "We had way too many free bases and we didn't do a great job of holding runners on base.
In game one, Dakotah Wolken (senior, Dillon, Iowa, East Marshall HS) earned the loss. The closer in last night's victory, Wolken held the Beavers in check for 4.0 innings, allowing just five hits and no earned runs.
"Dakotah was very solid through three innings," Schirm said. "I think he got tired in the fourth after pitching last night and Tuesday. He was pretty dominant like he has been all season."
Central returns home to host Simpson Tuesday at 1 p.m. at A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex baseball field. The Storm swept the Dutch in Indianola last Tuesday.
"Those are crucial games that we need to get," Schirm said. "Right now it's about fighting to make sure we qualify for the conference tournament. In order for us to get a good shot at that, we need to win those games. We're definitely looking forward to getting back on the field Tuesday."
