MOUNT VERNON — After mustering just four runs in the first 15 innings of Saturday's doubleheader, the Central College baseball team exploded for 12 in the final three frames of a 14-7 win over Cornell College.
Central (2-2) fell 12-2 in the opener against the Rams (1-1).
Trailing 6-2 entering the top of the seventh inning of the nightcap, the Dutch rally began. Two walks and a single loaded the bases for a Max Steinlage (sophomore, center fielder, Cedar Falls) sacrifice fly. Three consecutive hits followed Steinlage to put Central in front 7-6.
"It felt like we were really early and not making that adjustment back to the big part of the field," coach Adam Carey said. "Talking our walks definitely helped. We saw more pitches and took advantage of the opportunities when they presented themselves."
The Dutch had just one hit in the ninth inning, but took advantage of two errors, one wild pitch five walks and two hit batsmen to score seven runs. Central's only hit was a three-run double by Steinlage.
"Max was so dialed in today in the box," Carey said. "He had good at-bats in the first game, but he didn't have much to show for it. It all came together in game two."
Bryce Haessig (sophomore, Fennimore, Wis.) was the pitcher of record for game two, tossing two scoreless innings to close out the game.
"It was awesome to see him compete," Carey said. "He slammed the door at the end when we got that lead."
Starting pitcher Mark Kenney (sophomore, Huxley, Ballard HS) scattered seven hits over four innings, allowing four earned runs with three strikeouts and three walks. Andrew Doyle (senior, Pleasant Valley) pitched the middle three innings, giving up a single earned run.
"Mark's numbers won't show it, but he really battled," Carey said. "He threw a bunch of competitive pitches and filled up the zone. Doyle competed his heart out."
Right fielder Colton DeRocher (senior Sioux City, East HS) had three RBI in game two with a pair of sacrifice flies and a seventh inning single. He also had an RBI double in the opener.
"Colton did a good job of knowing his job," Carey said. "I was really happy with the way he performed and his selflessness."
The Rams offense started strong in game one, with eight hits and six runs in the first two innings off starter Declan O'Hare (fifth year, Los Angeles, Calif., John Marshall HS). Chance Dreyer (sophomore, Davenport, Assumption HS) and Caleb Stewart (freshman, Pella) each threw two innings of relief. Both Dreyer and Stewart struck out two batters, Dreyer yielded two runs and Stewart gave up four.
Central continues the three-game series with the Rams at 1 p.m. Sunday.
"We need to be ready to play right away," Carey said. "I want to stay strong for a full day and tomorrow is a great opportunity to do that."
