LINCOLN, Neb. — Five extra-base hits, including two home runs help the Central College baseball team down Nebraska Wesleyan 7-6 Tuesday afternoon.

Central (15-14 overall, 7-6 Iowa Conference) started the scoring early with a two-run home run from senior third baseman Zach Brown (Cedar Rapids, Xavier HS) and three more runs to gain a 5-0 lead heading to the bottom of the fifth.

"We hit the ball really well early in the game," said coach Matt Schirm.

After a two-run home run by Nebraska Wesleyan (12-20 overall, 5-11 Iowa Conference), junior first baseman Kyle Crampton (Omaha, Neb. Millard South HS) hit a two-run missile over the left-field fence.

"Both Zach and Kyle's home runs were no-doubters," said Schirm.

Sophomore shortstop Garrett Saunders (Bonaparte, Van Buren HS) went 2-for-5 with a double, a triple and scored two runs.

"It's nice to see Garrett get back on track after struggling a bit over the last couple weeks," said Schirm.

Sophomore pitcher Billy Coppage (West Point, Fort Madison HS) earned his third win on the season, throwing 5.2 innings, giving up seven hits, allowing six runs, four earned and striking out three.

"Billy threw really well besides one inning," said Schirm. "He was in control the first two times through the lineup, keeping the hitters off balance but the third time through they started to square him up."

Freshman righty Zach Edwards (Des Moines, Lincoln HS) earned his third save on the year, throwing 3.1 innings, allowing two hits and striking out a pair.

"Zach gutted it out for us today," said Schirm. "He threw the other day but we went with him today and he finished the game for us. I have a lot of confidence in him in a relief role and Zach wants the ball in those situations."

Schirm is happy to have seniors Jacob Hirst (Davenport, Assumption HS) and Seth Griffiths (Ottumwa) in the outfield defensively.

"Those two ran down some hard-hit balls today," he said. "With their speed and ability to read the ball off the bat, we are really fortunate to have them."

Central heads to Dubuque Friday for the beginning of a three-game series with Loras College. First pitch Friday is at 6 p.m. with a doubleheader beginning Saturday at 1 p.m. The two teams split the four matchups last season.