AUBURNDALE, Fla. — After a record-breaking offensive performance Tuesday, the Central College baseball bats were quieted by Montclair State University (N.J.) in an 8-4 loss in the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational.

Central (3-3) started the game fast again with a leadoff single from junior shortstop Garrett Saunders (Bonaparte, Van Buren HS). Saunders scored the opening run of the game and the Dutch kept a 1-0 lead until the third inning.

"Garrett has been really good to start the season," said coach Matt Schirm. "He's been able to put together great at-bats and hit the ball hard the other way again today."

Sophomore righty Tre Stanton (Des Moines, Roosevelt HS) toed the mound for the Dutch, throwing four innings. Stanton had a bit of misfortune in the third inning, throwing a third-strike curveball with the bases loaded and two outs but the ball skipped off the plate which allowed the tying run to score. Two other runs scored later in the inning.

"Tre threw really well today," said Schirm. "He threw a great pitch to strike the batter out in the third but the ball got by Trevor Kimm (Urbandale) on an unlucky bounce."

Junior outfielder Tanner Wood (Pella) had a pair of hits.

"Tanner had his best offensive game of the year today," said Schirm. "He hit the ball hard every time he was up today."

Through six games, Schirm has seen positive signs from his squad.

"I love the fight our guys have had so far this year," said Schirm. "We've been in every game so far and probably should have another win but our guys are continuing to get better."

Central will take a couple of days off before returning to invitational play Saturday with a doubleheader against Crown College (Minn.) with game one beginning at 2:30 Eastern Time.