LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Central College baseball team wasted little time claiming its first win, defeating Anderson University (Ind.) 14-1 in the season opener Friday at the three-day Derby City Classic Friday.

Central (1-0) broke out the sticks in the fourth inning scoring four runs off two hits. The Dutch exploded for seven runs in the sixth inning and added three more in the seventh. 

"We threatened every inning and finally broke through and put up a couple of big innings," said coach Matt Schirm. "We had quality at-bats all night which was great to see."

Senior second baseman Noah Stochl (New Hampton) initiated the Dutch offense, going 4-for-5 with a double and three RBIs, senior catcher Michael Reuter (Monticello) had two hits including an RBI double in the seven run sixth inning and sophomore shortstop Garrett Saunders (Bonaparte, Van Buren HS) walked four times in six plate appearances.

"Noah is pretty locked in at the plate right now and even his out he made tonight was hit hard," said Schirm.

The Dutch batters reached base 13 times via walk and combined for nine hits.

Sophomore pitchers Charlie Palmer (Chariton) and Billy Coppage (West Point, Fort Madison HS) combined for the four-hit win. allowing just one unearned run in the fifth inning. Palmer earned his first win of the season and third of his career. The duo struck out 11 batters, six for Palmer and five for Coppage.

"Charlie was really good from the start," said Schirm. "He pounded the strike zone from the start. Billy will tell you he didn't have his best stuff tonight but he still battled through it."

Central plays Saturday against tourney host Spalding University (Ky.) at 5 p.m. Spalding enters the contest 5-1 and has won its last four games. The Dutch finish the tournament Sunday with a matchup against Kalamazoo College (Mich.).

"It's always great to finally get out here and play," said Schirm. "Our guys were fired up and ready to go and it showed tonight."