(Moline, Ill.) – In a classic pitcher’s duel the Wartburg Knights were able to break through with two runs early in a 2-0 win over Webster University on Thursday afternoon at Swanson Stadium in the NCAA Central Regional in Moline, Ill.

    Webster (29-14) had an opportunity to jump on top in the first inning getting its leadoff man on and then moved him over to third on Andrew Fuiten’s single to center but Fuiten was gunned down at second trying to take the extra base and the Gorloks came up empty. Wartburg (27-14) scored the first run of the game in the second inning getting a leadoff double from its cleanup hitter then moved him over to third on a groundout to short and he scored on a single over the third baseman’s head.

    The Knights got their second run in the third inning on a two out single back up the middle with runners at first and second. WU’s best opportunity to get on the scoreboard came in the seventh getting a lead-off single from Greg Steen then moved him to second on a sacrifice bunt then Craig Schaefer hit a shot down the third base line that was speared by the third baseman for the second out then a fly out to right ended the frame.

    Both pitchers were the story of the game though allowing a combined total of 13 base runners in the contest. Wartburg’s Aaron Saeugling allowed only four hits in the game while Webster’s Eric McKinley gave up five hits and the two runs to take the loss and drop to 4-4.

    The Gorloks will try and stave off elimination against the loser of the Augustana-Wisconsin-Stevens Point loser tomorrow afternoon at 12 noon.