MIAC Release

The Bethel baseball team had a great week to remain in the hunt for the MIAC championship, improving to 9-1 in conference play. The team completed a sweep of Gustavus Saturday behind a brilliant pitching performance from Jake Hanzalik (Arden Hills, Minn./Mounds View). The sophomore starter earned the win with seven shutout innings and also handled five fielding chances without error in the 8-0 victory. For his performance, Hanzalik was named the MIAC Baseball Pitcher-of-the-Week.

Hanzalik kept the Gusties off the scoreboard throughout his stellar seven-inning performance, as he didn't walk a single batter, allowed just three hits, and recorded five strike outs. Hanzalik did an outstanding job keeping the ball low, as just two of the 23 hitters he faced managed to hit the ball in the air. This season, Hanzalik is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA in seven appearances. His four victories lead the MIAC, and he ranks 12th in ERA and he has just 30 hits and 10 walks allowed in 32 innings with 15 strikeouts.

In all, Bethel went 7-1 in conference play last week to improve to 16-5 overall and 9-1 in conference play. The Royals are one of just two teams (along with 12-0 St. Thomas) to have less than four MIAC losses thus far. Bethel has another busy week with a trio of conference doubleheaders on the schedule. It hosts the Tommies in a huge showdown Tuesday at home at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday it travels to Augsburg for a 2:30 p.m. twin bill, and Saturday it heads to Northfield to face St. Olaf at 1 p.m.