AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Opening day for the Central College baseball squad resulted in a split against Trine University (Ind.) after the Dutch dropped the first game 8-5 but rebounded with a 14-2 thrashing in the nightcap.
Central (1-1) capitalized on great pitching and great offense in its victory, according to coach Matt Schirm.
"Everyone in the second game contributed," he said. "All the way through the lineup we were putting together good at-bats and we pitched really well."
The Dutch had 15 hits, including six extra-base hits in the triumph. Junior second baseman Chris Riddle (Omaha, Neb., Mount Michael HS) went 2-for-5 with a three-run homerun in the fourth inning and later drove in another run with a double. Riddle finished the doubleheader with six RBIs.
"Chris has a lot of power," said Schirm. "He did a great job of putting the ball in play and even his outs were hit hard. It was great to see him hit the home run and then have his ground-rule double in the second game."
Sophomore hurler Nick Long (Marshalltown, East Marshall HS) earned the win in his first start of the season, throwing five innings, giving up two runs on eight hits and striking out three.
"Nick threw a great game today," said Schirm. "He was in control of his pitches and did a great job for us. We took him out today because we're going to need him to come back and be ready to throw again on Saturday."
Junior shortstop Garrett Saunders (Bonaparte, Van Buren HS) was 5-fo-6 on the day with a homerun and two stolen bases. Senior Kyle Crampton (Omaha, Neb., Millard South HS) was 3-for-6 in the twinbill with a triple, a double and an RBI.
"Kyle hit the ball hard today which was great to see," said Schirm. "Garrett had a big homerun for us in the first game and really saw the ball well all day."
Senior ace Dylan Diveney (Marshalltown) toed the mound in game one, throwing 5.1 innings, striking out 10 and allowing two runs on five hits.
"Dylan controlled all four of his pitches today," said Schirm. "We're going to have him come back and throw again Saturday as well."
Central continues play at the RussMat Central Florida Invitational Monday with a doubleheader against Gwynedd Mercy University (Pa.) with first pitch at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
