DECORAH  — Despite 11 hits on the day, the Central College baseball team suffered a 6-3 setback against Luther College Friday afternoon.

The Dutch (12-13, 4-9 American Rivers Conference) started the day with back-to-back singles by third baseman Brayden Sawyer (junior, Grundy Center) and center fielder Max Steinlage (junior, Cedar Falls) before shortstop Garrett Guenther (sophomore, Grayslake, Ill., Central HS) launched a three-run home run for an early 3-0 Central lead.

"Garrett's becoming a fixture in our lineup," coach Adam Carey said. "He's handling the role well, both mentally and physically. He's got a bright future and we're seeing flashes become more consistent."

Luther (9-17, 5-8 conference) answered with a leadoff homer and a three-run blast of their own to take a lead it would not relinquish.

The Dutch outhit the Norse 11-7, led by a four-hit day by Sawyer. Right fielder Jaden Kramer (junior, Cedar Falls) and left fielder Dylan Williams (junior, Woods Cross, Utah) each had two hits.

"We put good at-bats together all game but we were just on top of the ball," Carey said. "Our job the rest of the weekend is to keep putting at-bats together like we did today and I would think the ball would bounce our way."

Starting pitcher Jackson Torbit (St. Louis, Mo., Webster Groves HS) went seven innings, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Bryce Haessig (junior, Huxley, Ballard HS) retired all three batters he faced in the eighth inning.

"Jackson battled really hard today," Carey said. "They took advantage of two mistakes pitches in the first inning. He settled in and threw well. Bryce gave us a shot with a quick eighth inning."

Central and Luther will continue their weekend series with a noon doubleheader Saturday in Decorah.