WAVERLY — It was another close contest for the Central College baseball team Friday evening, falling to Wartburg College 2-1 in Waverly.

Central (15-17, 6-10 Iowa Conference) jumped out to a 1-0 lead after shortstop Garrett Saunders (junior, Bonaparte, Van Buren HS) reached base on an error by the shortstop, scoring junior center fielder Coy Moore (Hamilton, Twin Cedars HS).

Wartburg (20-9, 11-4 Iowa Conference) rallied to take a 2-1 lead after scoring a run in the fourth and fifth innings. Central had one baserunner in the final three innings after Ryan Garrett (senior, Aledo, Ill., Mercer County HS) drew a one-out walk in the ninth.

Sophomore starting pitcher Nick Long (Marshalltown) threw eight innings, scatter two hits, allowing two runs, walking one and striking out four Knights hitters.

Sophomore left fielder Joe Rebik (Marshalltown) was 2-for-4 including a double.

The Dutch outhit the Knights 5-4 but were only able to scratch across one run.

Central returns to the diamond Saturday for a doubleheader with Wartburg with first pitch at 1 p.m.