Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

MINNEAPOLIS—Jess Newstrom had a career night for the Bethel University softball team—going 6-for-9 with three home runs and 12 runs batted in—helping the Royals (17-11, 8-4 MIAC) pick up a big series sweep over Augsburg College in conference play.

The Auggies (10-24, 3-13 MIAC) held a 5-2 lead in the first of the twin bill, but Bethel climbed back with a 3-run fifth inning and 3-run sixth, while keeping Augsburg scoreless after the fourth. Newstrom and Rachel Gilbert each had two hits in game one, with Newstrom driving in five runs and scoring twice.
 
Meanwhile Karli Persson picked up her tenth win of the season, pitching a 10-hit, two-walk complete game. Persson reached four strikeouts and allowed four earned runs in the seven innings pitched.
 
Bethel left no doubt in game two—jumping out to a 7-1 lead after the first inning and a half. Rachel Gilbert hit her third home run of the season in the first inning before Cristina Masten and Tara Schinke both drove in a run.
 
Jess Nestrom went yard once in the second and once more in the fourth as part of a seven-RBI game two. Angie Jackson aided the Royals with a 5-for-5 performance at the plate, scoring four runs. Additionally, Megan Matson went 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Gilbert finished the second game 3-for-3 with five runs and two runs batted in.
 
Karli Persson was awarded the win in game two—coming in for Courtney Saurer after 1.1 innings pitched—pitching a three-hit, three-walk effort in 5.2 innings pitched. Persson improved to 11-6 on the year by holding the Auggies to just one run in the 16-6 victory.
 
The pair of wins pushed the Royals to 8-4 in conference play and 17-11 overall. Bethel welcomes Concordia to Ona Orth Complex Friday for a MIAC twin bill. The Cobbers, who will be the home team, have played just two conference games in 2013.