Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - A grand slam by Jess Newstrom (Fr., Cambridge, Minn.) in game one and a timely, if not dramatic three-run home run by Rachel Gilbert (Fr. Becker, Minn.) in game two were highlights of Bethel's 8-0 (5 inn.), 6-5 sweep of the St. Catherine Wildcats today.

In the first game, Bethel got ahead 1-0 in the bottom of the second inning, but used a six-run third inning to do most of the damage to the Wildcats. Newstrom's grand slam came with one out as the Royals kept the bases juiced by hitting and taking advantage of a St. Catherine error. It was the first home run of Newstrom's collegiate career, but almost didn't make it, as the ball bounced on top of the fence at the Ona Orth Complex, then bounced out of the park. Newstrom later doubled in the bottom of the fifth inning, and her pinch runner scored to evoke the eight-run rule.

Rebecca Akerson (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.) returned to form today by pitching a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits, while facing just four more batters than the minimum in her five innings of work.

In the second game, St. Catherine took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first, but by the end of the second inning, Bethel had tied the game. The score remained deadlocked until the Wildcats, who entered the game winless in MIAC play, took a 5-2 lead by scoring three runs in the top of the sixth.

However, the Royals maintained their poise and showed the resiliency that has kept them in so many games before today's. In the bottom of the seventh, Bethel sent the bottom half of their batting order to the plate with each batter knowing they needed to do everything to keep the game alive.

A walk to Newstrom, and a base hit by Akerson put runners on first and second with just one out, setting the stage for Gilbert. With one mighty swing of the bat, Gilbert tied the game at 5-5. The next batter lined out, bringing up slugger Kelly Berg (Jr., South Haven, Minn.), who singled to keep the inning alive. Berg stole second, allowing St. Catherine to walk Lauren Habisch (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.) to get to Lynnae Thompson (Sr., Stewartville, Minn.). Thompson was the hero of last year's Saint Mary's series as she hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh. Today, Thompson put the ball in play again, and an error by the shortstop allowed Berg to score from second, thus sealing a dramatic come from behind win for the Royals to earn a two-game sweep.

The wins help Bethel improve to 11-15 overall and 3-5 in the conference, while St. Catherine falls to 3-14 overall and 0-6 in the MIAC. The Royals are scheduled to hit the road for games against Saint Mary's and Macalester next week.