WINONA, Minn. – Coming off a split yesterday between Concordia College, the Bethel Royals traveled to Winona, Minnesota Wednesday afternoon to take on the Cardinals from Saint Mary's University. In an attempt to move up the MIAC standings, the Royals couldn't come thru in the first game as they lost 5-4 in extra innings, but took down the Cardinals in game two 8-3.

Saint Mary's struck first in game one with one run in the bottom of the first and added to that lead in the fourth and fifth when they collect one run in each frame. With the Cardinals up by a score of 3-0, the Royals fought back to tie the game up with a 3-run top of the sixth. Austin Hanson delivered a 2 RBI single that scored Jay Slick and Mike Sedjo, who both reached on walks earlier, to shrink the deficit to 3-2. Buddy Flaherty then grounded out to the pitcher, but it was good enough to score Jesse Nickols who walked earlier in the inning. With the game tied at three, the Royals pushed the game to extra innings. Bethel climbed on top in the top of the eighth when an RBI single from Alex Hinseth scored Sedjo to give the Royals a late 4-3 lead. Unfortunately, the lead couldn't be maintained as the Cardinals fired back in the bottom of the eighth with two runs and the walk-off victory.

Matt Rowley started the game for the Royals pitching the first 4.2 innings of work allowing five hits and three earned runs. Chris Dent suffered the loss as he closed out the games final 2.2 innings allowing only two hits and one earned run.

In game two, the Royals offense kick started and helped give the David Freed the needed support to win 8-3. Bethel posted a four run inning in the top of the second to give themselves a lofty 4-0 lead. Following singles from Matt Rowley and Mike Sedjo, Alex Hinseth knocked in Rowley with an RBI single. Esteban Abbey then followed that up with a much needed triple to left center that would score two and put the Royals up 3-0. Ryan Hangartner would close out the scoring as he drove in Abbey with an RBI single to give the Royals the four run lead.

David Freed continued to hold the lead for the Royals and earned the win on the game throwing six quality innings allowing three earned runs while striking out three and scattering ten hits. Buddy Flaherty pitched the final inning for the Royals, aiding in their 8-3 win.

Abbey finished game two 2-3 at the dish with 4 RBI. Alex Hinseth was 3-5 on the afternoon with two key RBI.