Watson gem highlights Webster tourney

SAUGET, ILL. – Wartburg College turned in one win in three games at the two-day Webster University of Missouri tournament March 19 and 20.

Coach Joel Holst's team, sending its record to 7-8, managed a 3-2 decision over the host Gorlocks to close the event. The Knights also battled Concordia University of Illinois and Franklin College of Indiana in close-knit contests.

Senior pitcher Brad Watson of Urbandale sparked Sunday's final game victory. He held Webster to one earned run on three hits over eight innings while striking out eight with senior relief pitcher Nate Rost of Faribault, Minn., working a perfect ninth for the save. Watson's third win of the season was bolstered by a solo home run off the bat of senior outfielder Patrick Grau of Elkader along with RBIs by freshman outfielder James Vega of Kansas City, Mo., and senior outfielder Ben Roemmich of West Des Moines.

A 7-3 loss to Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference power Franklin was spotlighted by RBIs from sophomore Ryan Doty of Dubuque and freshman Michael Shinstock of Urbandale. The opening 5-2 loss at the hands of regional powerhouse Concordia saw sophomore outfielder Andrew Krehbiel of Donnellson turn in two hits and a run scored, and freshman relief pitcher Marcus Walcysk of Des Moines.

Holst's squad is scheduled to open Iowa Conference play Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26, at Coe College's Daniels Park in Cedar Rapids. The Knights and Kohawks play a nine-inning game Friday with first pitch set for 3 p.m. and two seven-inning contests Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.