CEDAR RAPIDS – Second-seeded Luther used a steady offensive attack early in the game Friday, May 8, to book a slot in the championship series of the 2009 Iowa Conference baseball Championships.

The Norse (29-11) scored five runs over the opening two frames, aided by a two-run home run to left field off the bat of center fielder Alex Thomas in the home half of the second, and never looked back. Wartburg (24-18), the tournament’s fourth seed, did get to Norse starting pitcher Cody Hyland for eight hits, including four doubles, but could never string together a comeback inning, getting only as close as 5-2 in the middle frames.

Thomas’ four RBIs and three hits led the way for Luther. Right fielder Kyle Jones’ two hits topped the Knights’ offense.

Luther awaits the winner from two sets of games Saturday, May 9. Third-seeded Coe and fifth-seeded Buena Vista open the day with a 10 a.m. knockout contest, while the Knights take on the winner of that outing at 1 p.m. The winner of the 1 p.m. game takes the final slot in the championship series against Luther with the first game of the series set for 4 p.m. and an “ultimate championship” if necessary second contest slated for Sunday, May 10, at 1 p.m.