PELLA — The offense did not click enough for the Central College baseball team in a 6-2 loss Friday night against Wartburg College.

The Dutch (13-19, 7-12 American Rivers Conference) offense had eight hits, including five in the final two innings combined.

"We hit a few balls that were right at them," coach Casey Klnder said. "They are statistically the best defensive team in our league and we saw that tonight. We need to stack quality at-bats together and we weren't able to do that enough."

Right fielder Colton DeRocher (junior, Sioux City, East HS) had two hits, including a sixth inning double that helped Central score a run two batters later.

"Colton had a good night," Klunder said. "He had solid contact on a line out as well."

Garrett Finley (senior, first baseman, DeWitt, Central DeWitt HS) had an RBI hit by pitch in the sixth inning and Logan McCoy (junior, second baseman, Galva, Alta-Aurelia HS) had an RBI single in the ninth.

A large crowd was cheering on the Dutch Friday and starting pitcher Kurby Vowels (senior, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) returning to the site of his high school career was at least partially responsible. Vowels struck out six in 4.1 innings while allowing four earned runs on seven hits and three walks.

"Kurby was really good to start and he battled throughout," Klunder said. "I'm proud of the way he's stepped into a starting role after being a reliever most of his collegiate career. He does whatever is asked of him and he went against a good team and good pitcher tonight."

Reliever Brendan Short (Normal, Ill.), struck out four of the 12 batters he faced 2.2 innings. He scattered four hits and allowed one run. Caleb Evans (Davenport, Central HS) allowed one run while pitching the ninth.

"It's probably the best Brendan has looked all year," Klunder said. "He got some swings and misses and was able to locate his fastball on both sides of the plate."

Central and Wartburg continue the series with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Saturday in Waverly.