Box Score 1 | Box Score 2



COLLEGEVILLE, Minn.—Bethel University's baseball team settled for a split against Saint John's University Tuesday afternoon after returning to the diamond for the first time in over a week. The Royals (12-6, 3-1 MIAC) upended the Johnnies (10-3, 2-2 MIAC) in game one 7-1 and had the go-ahead run at the plate in the final inning of game two, but fell in the nine-inning contest 6-3. The loss in game two was Bethel's first setback in conference play of the 2014 season, putting the Royals in a three-way tie for second place.
 
Bethel's starting pitching was yet-again dominant throughout the day. Coming into Tuesday's twin bill, the Royals starting rotation had amassed an ERA of 2.96 after 85.2 innings of work. Matt Herringshaw and Tyler Heitmann continued this trend as they, collectively, allowed just three earned runs in 11.0 innings of work.
 
Herringshaw started on the bump for the Royals in game one, tossing a complete-game, seven-inning showcase. The right-handed hurler allowed just five hits and one walk, with one strikeout.
 
Bryce Marquardt was Herringshaw's biggest advocate in the opener today, as the freshman centerfielder went 3-for-4 at the dish with two runs. Meanwhile, catcher Mike Schultz drove in three runs with a sac fly in the first inning and a two-run single in the seventh. Matt Conrad returned to Bethel's lineup after an ankle injury sidelined the Royals left fielder and finished 2-for-3.
 
Tyler Heitmann allowed two runs on the hill in game two in four innings of work. The sophomore from Baldwin, Wis., allowed six hits and one walk, while striking out one. Heitman was later substituted for Joe Zorn and Jake Hanzalik, who each allowed two earned runs.
 
Heitmann nearly escaped being credited with the loss, as the Royals had the bases loaded in the top of the ninth inning with one out and a three-run deficit, but a strike out and pop fly ended the inning and Bethel's threat to tie or go ahead.
 
Mike Schultz finished the second game 2-for-4 with a run, while Grant Anderson and Logan Lisle each had a run batted in.
 
As a team, Bethel finished the day with 16 hits with 10 in the first game and six in the second. The Royals pitching staff was credited with seven earned runs in 15.0 innings and allowed 17 hits and three walks, alongside five strikeouts.
 
Bethel will host its home opener this Saturday against MIAC foe, Carleton College, at Hargis Park with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. The Royals will be looking for revenge against the Knights—a team that stole two wins away from BU a year ago in Northfield, Minn. Live stats and webcast for Saturday's doubleheader will be available here.