Box Score

MINNETONKA, Minn.—A highly anticipated championship matchup between the first-place Tommies and second-place Royals ended in a 3-1 decision that favored St. Thomas in Sunday's matinee. The loss ends a spectacular season for Bethel University, who has now advanced one step closer to a MIAC Championship in each of the last three years.
 
Bethel's offense put the first two batters on base in the top of the first, but scored just one run in the frame. Bryce Marquardt continued his sensational postseason run with a leadoff single—improving his line this weekend to 10-for-14 with three runs, three RBIs, and three stolen bases. Matt Conrad then drew a walk and after Mike Schultz struck out on a 3-2 count, both Conrad and Marquardt stole a base. With runners on second and third and one out, Bret Neuville drove in BU's only run of the game on a groundout to third base.
 
The University of St. Thomas then scored a trio of runs in the home half of the third inning after a couple rare blunders by the Royals, including a catcher's interference, a wild pitch, and an error. Bethel did come up with some incredible defensive plays in the game, however, as they picked off a runner at first on a 2-3 putout and also threw out a runner that tagged up too early.
 
Unfortunately for Bethel, the Royals were outmatched at the plate, though, as UST outhit BU 9-5. Five different batters scattered base hits throughout the nine-inning contest, including Bryce Marquardt, Mike Schultz, Matt Conrad, Nik Anderson, and Jarad Watts. Matt Conrad and Jarad Watts also reached base with a walk.
 
The conclusion of Sunday's contest was anything short of exciting, as the Royals made Tommie closer Tommy Danczyk throw over 35 pitches in the top half of the ninth, despite four batters coming to the plate.
 
Bethel's pitching combination of Matt Herringshaw and Joe Zorn was exceptional Sunday, especially since Herringshaw went 6.1 innings Friday night in the Royals 11-8 win over Saint Mary's and Joe Zorn pitched 3.0 innings in Saturday's 1-6 loss to St. Thomas. Herringshaw was the pitcher of decision and received his first loss of the season after allowing three runs—two earned—on seven hits, no walks, and one strikeout in 4.0 innings. Joe Zorn surrendered two hits, but no walks and three strikeouts in 4.0 innings of relief.
 
Following the loss, the Royals said goodbye to nine seniors that helped Bethel reach the postseason three consecutive seasons after a 12-year drought. Among the nine were Ryan Hangartner, Matt Pearson, Mike Whartnaby, Keaton Schut, Chris Hall, Sean Graff, Bryce Walt, Austin Hanson, and Luke Schultz.