BOX SCORE: GAME ONE | GAME TWO

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The brooms came out again on Thursday as the Royals swept the Oles in both games of the two game double header. The wins mark the second time in program history that Bethel has swept St. Olaf, the first was in 1989. Now on a roll the Royals have won eight games in a row, sweeping  four straight series.

In game one Matt Johnson took the mound as starting pitcher for the Royals. Johnson had a strong start giving up only one run in the first five innings, and only alowing four hits. In the top of the sixth with the pitch count rising Johnson found himself it a tough situation. After getting two quick ground outs the senior issued a walk followed by two singles, scoring one and leaving a runner on second. With the game now set at score of 4-3 the lefty Chris Dent came in relief to pitch the remainder of the sixth inning. Dent gave up a walk and one run, but was able to get the Royals out of the top of the sixth tied at four a piece.

The Royals bats created some breathing room in the bottom of the inning as they matched the Oles three runs with three of their own. After Buddy Flaherty got on base for being hit by a pitch, Sean Bethke, David Freed, and Travis Piepho each singled to push across three runs.

With the score again the favor of the Royals Flaherty came into the game at pitcher looking for the save. After only throwing seven pitches a save is exactly what Buddy Flaherty earned. The junior forced the Oles to pop up three balls for outs, giving Bethel the 7-4 victory in game one.

In game two Matt Rowley got the nod for his fourth start of the year. Rowley had an outstanding outing in which he made quick work of the St. Olaf bats, only allowing one hit in seven innings. Rowley only gave up three walks, while striking out as many, facing a total of twenty-five batters.

Bethel was able to score their only run of the game in the fourth inning. Travis Piepho got on with a lead off single, then Mike Sedjo sent a shot into deep right field for an RBI double. With eight hits and one run back the Rowley start the Royals completed the sweep of the Oles in game two, winning by a final of 1-0.

The sweep imroved the Royals overall record to 17-9 overall, and 6-4 in the MIAC. St. Olaf drops to 18-9, 6-6. Bethel's next action is slated for Saturday afternoon in St. Peter where the Royals will take on Gustavus. First pitch of the double header is scheduled for 1 p.m.