Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Box: ONE | TWO

ST. PETER, Minn.—Right-handed pitcher Joe Zorn did everything in his power to help Bethel University's baseball team get a pair of wins over Gustavus Adolphus College Thursday, but a sluggish start at the plate resulted in a series split in St. Peter. The Royals (20-11, 7-7 MIAC) dropped the series opener to the Gusties (11-16, 8-4 MIAC) 0-1 before unloading six runs in the first two innings of the second tilt for a 10-4 victory.
 
Joe Zorn gave up two hits and two walks Thursday's opener, which resulted in the only run of the game. The Stillwater, Minn., native struck out four in the complete-game loss, falling to 2-2 on the year.
 
Much like Gustavus, Bethel was limited to few hits—punching just four knocks and one walk at the plate. Matt Rowley, Mike Schultz, Luke Schultz, and Nik Anderson each recorded a hit, but it never resulted in runs. The Royals had the tying run at second in both the second and seventh inning; however, both times were with two outs.
 
Zorn pitched so effectively in game one that he was given the nod to start game two. The righty went three innings, giving up four earned runs as the Gustie batter tagged a three-run home run in the third to close Bethel's advantage to 6-4. Teammate David Freed was tapped to come in relief and pitched a shutout for the ensuring four innings to help the Royals capture the 10-4 triumph. Freed didn't allow a hit and struck out three, while improving to 2-2 with the win.
 
Head coach Brian Raabe's words between games must've struck a cord, as the Royals bats were a complete-180. Bethel scored 10 runs on 13 hits and five walks, as three players had multi-hit efforts. David Freed and Matt Rowley both went 3-for-4 with a walk, while Luke Schultz finished 2-for-4. Schultz and Jarad Watts both drove in three runs, while Matt Rowley scored twice and plated two more.
 
With Thursday's results Bethel is 7-7 in conference play and stands in sixth place overall. Among the five teams ahead of the Royals are St. Thomas, Augsburg, and Concordia—all teams BU has yet to play. Bethel is scheduled to host the Tommies at Hargis Park on Sunday, with first pitch set for 1 p.m. Live stats and webcast will both be available here.