ARDEN HILLS, Minn. -- Bethel University's baseball team kicked off their 2015 MIAC schedule with a sweep over Macalester College at home Saturday. The twin bill versus the Scots, which was initially scheduled to be played in St. Paul, featured a 9-5 victory in game one and a 7-2 win in game two with BU as the visitor in the series.
 
The Royals jumped out to a 9-0 lead in Saturday's opener before allowing five runs in the bottom of the seventh. Bethel was able to amass nine runs on four hits, eight walks, and two Macalester errors. The second was similar, as BU claimed a 4-1 advantage after four innings, before closing out the nine-inning battle with a 7-2 margin.
 
Matt Herringshaw went the distance in the opener against the Scots. Herringshaw's complete-game victory featured just two walks and seven hits, along with eight strikeouts. Unfortunately for Herringshaw and the Royals, five of the eight hits allowed came in the bottom of the seventh.
 
Tyler Heitmann improved to 4-0 on the season with his seven-inning gem in game two. Bethel's junior righty allowed two runs on six hits and three walks, while striking out six. Fellow pitcher Joe Zorn came in for the final two innings and notched his first save of the season with a no-run, no-hit effort with three strikeouts.
 
Jarad Watts had perhaps the biggest day at the plate, as the junior second baseman went 3-for-9 with five runs driven in. Meanwhile, centerfielder Bryce Marquardt finished 1-for-5 with three walks, three runs, and one RBI. Nik Anderson, who has been playing third base as of late, completed his day at the plate 1-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored. Newcomer Brandon Meyer was very productive in game two, as the freshman was asked to be the DH and finished 2-for-4 with a run driven in.
 
Saturday's pair of games with the Scots marked the third consecutive year Bethel has been the first team to host an MIAC doubleheader. The Royals certainly used home field to their advantage, as the sweep improved them to 13-3 on the season and 2-0 in MIAC play. They look to continue their momentum Wednesday, when they host Augsburg College at Hargis Park. First pitch between the Auggies and Royals is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.