Luther - Central Split on Sunday - Norse Win Series 2-1
April 20, 2008
Luther and Central wrapped up the three-game weekend series with a split here in Decorah this afternoon. Central won game one 8-0 and the Norse bounced back to win the nightcap 7-5. With yesterday's 12-8 victory over the Dutch, the Norse win the series 2-1.
In game one, Central pitcher Brett Mahan tossed a six-hit shut out. Mahan faced 29 batters, walked one and struck out four en route to his fifth win of the season.
The Dutch tallied two runs in the third, one in the fifth and five in the sixth. Norse starter Nate Todd allowed all of Central's eight runs, but just one was earned, as the Norse committed three errors.
The Luther bats woke up in the nightcap producing 11 hits. Luther sent Central starting pitcher Trevor Talbott to the dugout early, producing six runs in the second inning.
Paul Pichelmann (2-0) was credited with the win after four innings and exiting the game with the two-run lead. Cody Hyland picked up the save with three solid innings of work in relief, allowing just one hit and striking out four.
Steve Beckman and Joe Thompson were both 2-for-3 and drove in two runs. Alex Ross, Jake Waddle and Ben Schott were all credited with an rbi.
The split gives Luther an Iowa Conference record of 5-7, 11-3 overall. Central will return to Pella with a league mark of 6-8, 16-14 overall.
The Norse will host Loras College for an IIAC double header that will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22.
