Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—After an 18-day hiatus from the diamond, Bethel University's baseball team returned to the field to play Saint Mary's University in MIAC competition. The Royals (17-6, 4-2 MIAC) were shut out in the first game 2-0 before pouncing on the Cardinals (11-10, 2-4 MIAC) 5-1 in game two.
 
Bethel got two strong pitching performances in both games, as Jake Hanzalik (Fr., Arden Hills, Minn.) tossed a two-run, six-strikeout showcase in six innings throughout the first contest of Thursday's twin bill. Hanzalik allowed just two walks and gave up five hits before Keaton Schut (Jr., Des Moines, Iowa) came in to pitch a zero-run seventh inning.
 
Meanwhile teammate Matt Rowley (Sr., Minntonka, Minn.) pitched another gem on the mound in game two. Rowley tossed a seven-hit, one-walk complete game—giving up no earned runs and striking out five. This was Rowley's first complete game of the season, despite leading the team in innings pitched. The Hopkins graduate improves to 5-0 with an ERA of 1.50 in six starts and seven appearances.
 
Luke Schultz (Jr., Forest Lake, Minn.) had a special birthday today, as he went 2-for-3 at the plate in game two with an RBI and a run scored. Schultz was one of three players to rip a double, as he, Mike Whartnaby (Jr., Libertyville, Ill.), and David Freed (Sr., North Oakes, Minn.) each tallied an extra-base hit. Freed finished game two 2-for-2 with a walk and an RBI. Jesse Nickols (Sr., Arden Hills, Minn.) also went 1-for-2 with two runs batted in.
 
The Royals mustered just five hits in game one, with nobody getting on base more than once except Grant Anderson (So., Andover, Minn.), who finished 1-for-2 with a walk.
 
Bethel will continue its exotic schedule tomorrow at Hargis Park, as they welcome Macalester College for another MIAC double dip. The Scots (9-14, 2-2 MIAC) edged Concordia in both games at Nicholson Field today. First pitch is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. with live stats and webcast available here.