BOX SCORE

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Coming off their first two wins on Sunday afternoon, the Bethel Royals took on North Park University Monday afternoon at Terry Park. The Royals were riding momentum from Sunday, and battled back from five runs down, but came out with the short end of the stick Monday as North Park defeated Bethel 8-4.

The Bethel boys of summer fell behind early by a deficit of 5-0, but jumped back into the game after a 3-run bottom of the 5th. Chris Davidson got things started for the Royals with a single up middle. Davidson advanced to second after David Freed connected on a base hit to left center. With Davidson and Freed on the basepath, Travis Piepho drew a crucial walk to load up the bases for Jay Slick. Slick drove in all three runners with a double to draw the game to 5-3. The Royals would tack on one more run thanks to an Alex Hinseth RBI single, but unfortunately it wasn't enough as North Park went on to a 8-4 victory.

Austin Hanson started on the bump for Bethel and pitched 3 innings allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits. Hanson was limited due to 6 free passes. Chris Dent came in and was effective in relief for the Royals. Dent went 4 strong innings, striking out 4 batters and allowing 2 earned. Matt Pearson finished the game for Bethel, as he closed out the final 2 innings giving up 2 earned runs on 3 hits.

Erik Anderson and Hinseth both finished the game with 2 hits, while Slick, who finished 1-4, had the big blow with the 3 RBI double.

The Royals are back in action Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. when they take on Lasell College.