VIDEO: David Freed
VIDEO: Buddy Flaherty
 
After a minor schedule change Saturday the Royals were ready to hit the field for the first time in Florida, as they challenged North Park University in the first game of the Spring Break trip. Despite being highly competitive against the Vikings, BU surrendered two early runs in the first inning and two more in the top of the ninth to fall 4-0. Players and fans enjoyed outstanding weather along with exceptional play, but the Bethel team tasted defeat in its first outing of the trip.
 
Junior David Freed (Jr., North Oaks, Minn.) pitched a solid 7.2 innings in Saturday's matinee giving up two runs (one earned), while striking out two and walking zero. Keaton Schut (So., Des Moines, Iowa) pitched a situational out to finish the eighth, while Joey Besong (So., Apple Valley, Minn.) was charged two runs in the ninth.
 
The Royals had runners on first and third with one out in the bottom of the second inning, but were unable to capitalize any runs in the frame.  BU then put a great deal of pressure on the Vikings in the bottom of the ninth as Ryan Hangartner (So., Watertown, Minn.) and Jay Slick (Sr., River Falls, Minn.) managed to get on base with one out, yet it wasn't enough as a fielder's choice and a deep fly ball out by Travis Piepho (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn.) ended the game.
 
Matt Rowley (Jr., Minnetonka, Minn.) had the best day at the plate for Bethel, going 2-for-3, and recorded an outstanding double-play in the field by catching a deep fly ball in center and hurling a stripe to catcher Jay Slick, who blocked the runner attempting to tag from third. BU finished the day with six hits, but recorded three errors in the field.
 
The Royals fall to 4-3 on the season, but look to improve today as they compete in a double-header against Western Connecticut State University at Terry Park (field one) set to begin at 3 p.m.
 
Fans are advised to continue watching the online schedule, as game times and locations are subject to change. Also, keep in mind that both the baseball and softball games will have live webcasts and statistics tomorrow. Live softball information can be seen here, whereas live baseball can be viewed here.