WAVERLY, Iowa – Behind the second-career complete game by sophomore pitcher Dylan Gotto (Peosta), the Wartburg College Knights baseball team (9-23 overall, 6-13 A-R-C) downed the Simpson College Storm (12-19, 4-15) 5-0 on Friday evening.
 
Gotto struck out eight in the shutout performance, falling one short of his career high. Freshman Max Goodhue (Carlisle) recorded a career high two RBIs, while going 1-3 at the plate. Junior Tyler Hovick (Roland) added in two RBIs after going 2-5 at the plate, while junior Joey Baumann (Woodbury) recorded his eighth RBI of the season after recording one hit in his four at bats.
 
The two teams went scoreless through the first two innings before the Knights jumped out to a 2-0 lead at the bottom of the third off of Hovick's two RBI double down the right field line, scoring sophomore Parker Ridge (Marion) and freshman Jarod Harris (Manchester). The Knights plated another two runs at the bottom of the fourth after Goodhue connected on a two RBI double to center to extend the lead to 4-0.
 
Gotto and the Knights shutout the Storm over the next three innings before scoring their final run of the night at the bottom of the seventh inning off of a RBI single by Baumann to center. Gotto struck out two of the final three batters at the top of the ninth to secure the Orange and Black's second shutout of the season.
 
The two teams will return to the diamond to complete the series on Monday, with the doubleheader beginning at 2:30 p.m.