MIAC Release

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Bethel University pitchers Travis Adams (Sr., Chanhassen, Minn.) and Ben Turnwall (Sr., Burnsville, Minn.) are among the 11 players from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) recently named to the 2009 NCAA Division III "Players to Watch" list by Collegiate Baseball.

Adams, a two-year starter on the mound, compiled a 4-3 record and had the third-best ERA on the team at 3.71 in 43 2/3 innings pitched last season. The left-hander also had the most strikeouts on the team with 40, while walking just 16 batters.

Turnwall established himself as the Royals' closer last season, converting on each of his nine save opportunities to set a new Bethel single season record. Turnwall led the MIAC not only in saves, but also games finished with 13. He had the team's second-lowest ERA at 3.29 and struck out 24 batters in just 13 2/3 innings pitched, compared to just four walks. Opponents batted just .214 against him, another team best.

The 2009 “Players to Watch” list was chosen by NCAA Division III baseball coaches across the country, and spotlights a select group of student-athletes at each position. The list is included in the January 2nd issue of Collegiate Baseball, a newspaper that covers all levels of college baseball. A total of 301 athletes were listed.

Bethel is scheduled to begin its season on February 25, against Jamestown College (N.D.) at 9:45 p.m. in the Metrodome.