Box Score Game 1 l Box Score Game 2

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Bethel baseball team combined solid pitching performances with an explosive offense to sweep their second straight conference series today.  With the 11-5 and 14-2 wins, the Royals have now won nine of their last 11 and have outscored their opponents by an average of five runs per game over that stretch.

Kyle McCracken (Sr., Johnston, Iowa) pitched well for the Royals in game one. He struck out three and gave up just two earned runs in the complete game performance.

Bethel's bats made sure that he got all the run support he needed, scoring early and often.  Erik Anderson (Jr., Arden Hills, Minn.) led the attack, going 3-for-4 with three RBI.  Mike Sedjo (West Chicago, Ill.) and Bob Tokar (Elk River, Minn.) added two hits each and combined for five RBI.

The offense stayed hot in the second game, scoring eleven runs through the first three innings, putting the game out of reach for the Pipers.  Anderson again led the way with a 3-for-4 performance and a team season-high six RBI in the game.

Jay Slick (So., River Falls, Wis.) continued his torrid hitting, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and four runs, while his brother John Slick (Sr., River Falls, Wis.) went 3-for-5 with two RBI.

The Royals' game two starter, Chris Harrell (Jr., Minnetrista, Minn.), was able to get back on track with his performance today.  He surrendered just four hits and one earned run over six innings while striking out two Piper batters to earn the win.

The sweep lifts Bethel's record to 18-14 overall and 6-8 in MIAC play, while Hamline drops to 7-7 in the conference and 14-20 overall.  Up next the Royals will travel back down Snelling Ave. to Macalester College for a doubleheader starting at noon on Saturday.