PELLA, Iowa – Loras struggled in the field and Central took advantage of the opportunities to give the Dutch game two and game three wins, 9-7 and 9-5.

Game Two
The Purple and Gold struck first, with Isiah Rose and Alex Sandoval getting some timely hits to drive in two in the second inning.

However, a swift response from Central (6-9, 2-1 A-R-C) found the home club out in front by a score of 5-2 as the fifth approached.

It was left up to Colin Kissane, the Division III leader in home runs, to try and will Loras (7-8, 1-2 A-R-C) back into the game before things got dicey. He'd do just that, as he unloaded a no-doubt three-run shot to left field, suddenly placing the Duhawks right back into the game.

The momentum from the tie was short-lived though, as a home run in response, along with a single from the Dutch brought them right back out in front, with one of the runs scoring unearned on one of the two Loras errors.  

It was all about climbing the mountain for the Purple and Gold, but they just could never reach the apex, with Central's pitching holding them at arm's length.

It was all Dutch as they outlasted the Duhawks and eventually landed enough haymakers to knock them out.

Game Three
This contest proved more challenging for the Duhawks, who started strong offensively before struggling defensively.

The team's traded runs early, with Kissane scoring another and Evan Hermanson collecting an RBI single, but then the flood gates opened.

Of the nine runs scored by the Dutch, three of them had reached or advanced on the four Duhawk errors, and Loras could just never get the put away pitch they needed.

Vincent Costantino and Dylan Ackermann were hit around to the tune of 17 knocks, and despite a relief effort from Will Moonan that was admirable and a Jackson Cullen homer that brought some life, the Duhawks just couldn't get out of their own way.

On Deck: Loras takes on the University of Wisconsin Platteville on Tuesday, March 24. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. at Kendall Murray Field.