ABILENE, TEXAS — Central made the trip down to Abilene, Texas to face off against the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboys in a three-game series taking place on Friday and Saturday. The Dutch started the weekend off on the right note by recording a hard-fought victory in game one on Friday night.

Central's offense was a force to be reckoned with, putting up 12 hits and 10 runs in the game, two of which came in the top of the ninth to give them a one run lead, ultimately bringing them a 10-9 victory.

While Central's offense did their damage as a collective unit, there was a familiar face leading the charge. Dom
DeLaPaz (catcher, fifth year, Davenport, West HS) had a monstrous game at the plate, going 4-5 with two home runs, two doubles, and five RBIs. While the stat line is unbelievable in itself, it is important to note that DeLaPaz also delivered the game-winning two-RBI double in the top of the ninth, scoring center fielder Max Steinlage (senior, Cedar Falls) and third baseman Brayden Sawyer (senior, Grundy Center).

Mark Kenney (senior, Fennimore, Wis.) got the start on the bump for the Dutch and was able to go 5.2 innings while allowing five earned runs. Turner Williams (junior, Newton) then entered the game in relief, where he threw 2.1 innings, allowing four earned runs while also recording four strikeouts and the win! He was then followed up by the hometown kid Caleb Stewart (junior, Pella), who shut it down in the bottom of the ninth to not only secure the save, but also a Central win!

The Dutch will look to carry their momentum into a double-header against the Cowboys on Saturday, where the series will be concluded. Game one starts at noon while game two starts at 3 p.m.