CEDAR RAPIDS – A seven-run seventh inning rally by fourth-seeded Wartburg turned out to be the difference maker in the ultimate championship game of the 2009 Iowa Conference baseball Championships Saturday, May 9.

The Knights (27-18) were the benefactors of a four-for-six night and two RBIs from infielder Mike Johnson and four RBIs and two doubles from outfielder Kyle Jones to spotlight a 16-hit attack. Junior pitcher Billy Schmitt, following up a strong four innings from sophomore starter Brad Watson, took the win, firing five innings of three-hit ball in relief.

Luther (29-13) battled their guests back and forth early on. They took a 2-0 lead after two and rallied back from a 4-2 deficit to tie the game at 4-4 in the fourth. Wartburg broke the tie with a single run in the fifth and then hit the Norse with the seven-run rally in the seventh.

The infield duo of Ben Schott and Nate Neis led the offense. They each had two hits and two RBIs.

Wartburg advances to the 2009 NCAA Division III Championships next weekend. It’s the ninth time in the last 13 years head coach Joel Holst’s program will appear in the regional tournament.