PELLA — A promising start didn't last long enough for the Central College baseball team in a 10-5 defeat against Loras College Friday afternoon.

A pair of extra-base hits pushed two runs across for the Dutch (16-21, 7-14 Iowa Conference) in the opening frame against the Duhawks (23-13, 12-9 conference).  A triple by right fielder Tanner Wood (junior, Pella) was followed by a double from designated hitter Kyle Crampton (senior, Omaha, Neb., Millard South HS) to give Central an early 2-1 lead.

"We talk a lot about answering back after the other team scores and we were able to do that," coach Matt Schirm said. "That was big for us and we felt pretty good at that point in the game."

Loras scored in seven of the nine innings to regain and extend the lead.

Starting pitcher Nick Long (sophomore, Marshalltown, East Marshall HS) allowed four earned runs and six total in five innings of work before being lifted in favor of Zach Edwards (sophomore, Des Moines, Lincoln HS). Edwards threw the last four innings and gave up four runs.

"I think both of them would tell you they weren't as sharp as they usually are," Schirm said. "You have to give Loras a lot of credit, they hit the ball well."

Shortstop Garrett Saunders (junior, Bonaparte, Van Buren HS) went 4-for-5 at the plate for his 19th multi-hit game of the season and second four-hit effort.

"When he's hitting the ball right back up the middle or to right center field, you know he's locked in," Schirm said. "Hopefully that will continue tomorrow."

Left fielder Joe Rebik (sophomore, Marshalltown) and first basemen Ryan Garrett (senior, Aledo, Ill., Mercer County HS) had RBI singles in the seventh and Wood scampered home on a wild pitch in the ninth to complete the scoring for Central.

The final day of the regular season is a doubleheader Saturday at home with the Duhawks starting at 1 p.m. It will be senior day for Central's six seniors.

"We owe our seniors our best effort," Schirm said. "I know our team is a bunch of high-character guys so I know they'll come out tomorrow and battle and try to get two wins."