Luther defeats central 5-2 - Norse tied for first place
April 15, 2009
Luther traveled to Central College for the final game of the three-game series between these two teams. The Norse swept the series following a 5-2 victory this afternoon. On March 31, Luther posted wins of 6-3 and 3-1 in Decorah.
This afternoon, the Norse scored five runs on 11 hits, opening the game up with a three-run fourth inning. Alex Thomas struck the big blow in this frame, a two-out single to center field with the bases loaded. Nate Neis drove in the final run of the inning with a single to left.
In the second, Mark Weber drove in Steve Beckman who reached base with a double to right center. Chris Reynolds drove in the final run of the ball game, a single to left that scored Joe Thompson in the ninth.
Nate Todd was credited with the win, his fourth of the season. Todd pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowed two earned runs on 10 hits, walked one and struck out six. Cody Hyland finished the game and allowed just one hit and struck out six of the nine batters he faced.
The win moved Luther into a first place tie for first place with Buena Vista University. Both teams have three losses in the IIAC. Buena Vista (8-3) was defeated by Loras 7-5 this afternoon in Dubuque. Luther is now 7-3 in league play, 17-7 overall. Central fell to 6-7 in the IIAC, 11-15 overall.
Luther will begin a three-game series with Loras this Friday when the two teams will play one nine-inning game starting at 6:00 p.m. in Dubuque. On Saturday, the double header will begin at 1:00 p.m.
