ALLEN, Kan. - The 20th-ranked Iowa Central baseball team took to the field for the first time here this year Tuesday, splitting with Allen County.

The Tritons won the opener, 8-4, before falling in the nightcap, 8-6.

Devon Schewe went four, striking out three to earn the win on the mound. He was backed by a three-RBI day from Ben Gallaher, who hit a homer and scored twice. The freshman was 2-for-3 at the plate. 

Devin Hurdle added an RBI with Max Holly scoring twice and collecting two hits. Gavin Baker and Derek Kay each had a run scored while Hurdle, Ryan Wickman and Ben DeTaeye each had a hit. 

Hurdle, Holy and Wickman all had a double each. 

"We were able to string some hits together after looking really anxious there in the first," Iowa Central head coach Eric Stein said. "But that was to be expected in the first inning of the first game. From there, we just settled in nicely.

"Devon pitched well and our defense got us out of a couple jams including a big double-play that killed their rally."

In the second contest, Gavin Baker was 4-for-4 with three runs, two doubles and an RBI out of the leadoff spot. Detaeye had two hits while Wickman, Noah Susong, Holy and Brock Johnson all drove in a run. Holy and Johnson each had a homer while Hurdle, Detaeye and Wickman all had a double.

Kay also had a steal.

"Baker had a good day, we just left too much on the table," Stein said. "We gave up some stupid runs on the other side of it, cheap runs that we helped create. That was the big difference in the game."

On the mound, Payton Leonard struck out four in just under four innings.

The Tritons return to action Feb. 26-28 in Millington Tenn. against Mineral Area, St. Charles, UA Rich Mountain and Lincoln Land. 

-By Dana Becker