Dutch win twice on baseball opening day

Central offense starts strong in doubleheader

by Joseph Flaherty

West Liberty, IA (03/04/2025) — Pounding out 23 hits, including 10 extra-base knocks, the Central College baseball team swept past St. Norbert College (Wis.) in the season-opening doubleheader Saturday.

The Dutch (2-0) won the opening game 11-1 in seven innings before closing out the day with an 8-5 win in game two.

"I was really happy with the way we competed and played throughout the day," coach Adam Carey said. "They played loose and they played free."

At the plate, center fielder Max Steinlage (junior, Cedar Falls) was 5-for-8 on the day with two doubles, a home run and four RBI. First baseman Chance Dreyer (junior, Davenport, Assumption HS) and third baseman Brayden Sawyer (junior, Grundy Center) also had four hits apiece. Dreyer and shortstop Garrett Guenther added home runs while catcher/right fielder Caleb Douglass (senior, Windsor, Colo.) had two doubles.

"We stuck to our approach throughout the game," Carey said. "Their game two starting pitcher was a really tricky guy to get to, but we locked in on the process and found a way to get to him in the third and fourth inning.

"Steinlage had an awesome day in the box and made some good plays in the outfield. He was a quiet 3-4 in the first game and then had more great swings on balls in game two. It's a testament to his consistency and work ethic."

Game one starting pitcher Mark Kenney (junior, Fennimore, Wis.) needed just 76 pitches in six innings to get the victory. He allowed just one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts. Xander Poock (sophomore, Johnston) recorded the final three outs.

"Mark looked great throughout his outing," Carey said. "There were a few hiccups but we didn't see mistakes stack up."

Brayden Sawyer (junior, Grundy Center) got the win in game two, throwing six innings with five strikeouts and allowing just one earned run. Bryce Haessig (junior, Huxley, Ballard HS) recorded a three-inning save in relief.

"All four of our pitchers gave our defense chances to make plays," Carey said.

The Dutch play another doubleheader Sunday in West Liberty at noon against Cornell College.

Caleb

Douglass