The Iowa Conference tournament hasn’t been kind to Central College in recent years, but the Dutch got the 2012 postseason started on the right foot yesterday afternoon, claiming a 2-0 win over Simpson College.

The Dutch struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning when pinch runner Chelsea Greiner scored on a fielder’s choice off the bat of Angela Davis. An inning later, Jordan Overland stole third base, and scampered home when the throw slipped away from Simpson’s third baseman. That 2-0 lead was more than enough for Central junior pitcher Rhianna Fleetwood. She needed just 74 pitches to finish the complete game shutout, and she retired the final 18 batters she faced.

“The pitching staff has worked all year on just getting ahead of batters and hitting our spots; and just making it effective that way,” said Fleetwood. “That’s what I focus on every game is just getting ahead of batters and letting my defense work.”

Central returns to action today in the winner’s bracket final of the double-elimination tournament. The second-seeded Dutch will play fourth-seeded Coe, who upset regular-season champion Luther 2-0; after beating Loras 3-2 earlier in the day. Today’s game between the Dutch and Kohawks starts at 2:00 p.m., and Trevor Castle will call the action live on www.kniakrls.com.

Tags: , , , , ,