Dayton Glasgow May 4, 2008

Central sweeps into league tourney

DUBUQUE—The Central College baseball team picked a great time to go on a three-game winning streak as the Dutch swept the University of Dubuque in a doubleheader Sunday, 7-2 and 9-6 to advance to the Iowa Conference tournament after also beating the Spartans 14-8 Saturday.

The Dutch (20-19 overall, 10-13 conference) needed to win all three weekend games against Dubuque to secure the sixth seed in the six-team Iowa Conference tournament played in Cedar Rapids Thursday-Saturday. Central will play Coe College Thursday at 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

“We are really exited to be in the tournament,” said coach Adam Stevens. “I told the guys it is a brand new season and we played really good baseball this weekend. We are excited to be able to practice tomorrow.

The Dutch saw big offensive days from a number of different sources. Junior left fielder Derek Knutson (Richland, Wash., Yorkville, Ill. HS) went a combined 5-for-8 on the day with two runs scored, three RBIs and a pair of stolen bases. Freshman designated hitter Caleb Rangel (Rock Island, Ill., Alleman HS) was 4-for-8 and scored four runs with an RBI. Jarred Lackey (freshman, right fielder, Somerton, Ariz., Cibola HS) was 3-for-7 with a pair of RBIs and a run scored.

In the opener, freshman pitcher Dayton Glasgow (Burlington) threw a complete game and got the win to improve his record to 6-1. He gave up two runs on four hits while striking out four and walking four. With the win, Glasgow tied the Central freshman record for most wins in a season with Josh Allison (1995).

“(Dayton) did what he’s done all year for us,” said Stevens. “He competed, threw strikes and had a heck of a Derek Knutsongame."

The Dutch took the early lead in the opener on RBI singles by Justin Owens (senior, second baseman, Milo, Southeast Warren HS) and Rangel in the second. The Dutch went on to plate two more in the third but the Spartans (14-25 overall, 7-16 conference) responded with two of their own in the bottom of the frame. Central touched home two more times in the fourth to take a 6-2 advantage. The Dutch would add an insurance run in the seventh on an RBI single from Owens.

Central had to rally in the nightcap as Dubuque took a 2-0 lead after the first. The Dutch got a run back in the second on an RBI single from Lackey. The Spartans extended their lead in the bottom of the second to 3-1 before Central plated five in the fourth. The five-run rally was highlighted by a two-run single by Knutson. Dubuque responded with their own run in fourth to crawl within 6-4. Central scored another in the fifth before the Spartans made it 7-6 after scoring a pair in the bottom of the frame. The Dutch put the final touches on the game by scoring two in the seventh.

“Our backs were really against the wall coming into this weekend,” said Stevens. “We fought all weekend, and I couldn’t be prouder of our guys.”

Junior pitcher Adam Squires (Center Point, Center Point-Urbana HS) started for Central in the second game and went 3.1 innings and gave up two earned runs on nine hits while striking out four and walking one. Senior Jeremy Kippley (Denison, Denison-Schleswig HS) came in during the fourth with base loaded, one out and the score 6-4. Kippley forced his first batter to ground into an inning-ending double play.

Stevens raved about the double play turned by Owens and shortstop Jake Jadlowski (junior, Omaha, Neb., Ralston HS).Caleb Rangel

“It was one of the best double plays I have seen turned in a pressure situation,” said Stevens. “It was unbelievable.”

Senior pitcher Mike Luce (Omaha, Neb., Millard North HS) finished the game for the Dutch going three innings and allowed one hit while striking out four.

“Mike came in a tight spot and threw the best he has all year,” said Stevens. “He went out there and threw strikes. I am really happy for him.”

 

2008 Iowa Conferece tournament

Seeds (Iowa Conference record)

  1. Wartburg (17-3)
  2. Simpson (14-9)
  3. Coe (13-10)
  4. Luther (11-10)
  5. Loras (11-12)
  6. Central (10-13)

Thursday, May 8
Game 1 – #4 Luther vs. #5 Loras, 1 p.m. at Daniels Park
Game 2 – #3 Coe vs. #6 Central, 1 p.m. at Veterans
Game 3 – Game 2 winner vs. #2 Simpson, 4 p.m.
Game 4 – Game 1 winner vs. #1 Wartburg, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 9
Game 5 – Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 10 a.m.
Game 6 – Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 loser, 1 p.m.
Game 7 – Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 4 p.m.
Game 8 – Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 10
Game 9 – Game 7 loser vs. Game 8 winner, 10 a.m.
Game 10 – Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 1 p.m.
Game 11 – Game 10 winner vs. Game 10 loser, 4 p.m. (if necessary)