ROSEVILLE, Minn.—If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
That was the Bethel University baseball team's philosophy over the last week, as the Royals, who were initially supposed to play their season opener in Marion, Ill., last weekend played the same opponent—UW-Stout—at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul two days later than scheduled because of poor weather in Illinois.
BU's historic twin bill versus the Blue Devils marked the first collegiate baseball game played outdoors in Minnesota on or before March 9. And typically outdoor baseball in early (or even late) March sounds cold and wet, however, Monday was perfect conditions for the Royals' debut contest.
Bethel took a 2-0 lead into the fifth inning of game one, but UW-Stout was able to get a two-out single that scored two runs in the top of the fifth. Then later when tied at 2-2 heading into the seventh and final frame, the Blue Devils went ahead 6-2 after Brandon Burzynski hit a three-run shot over the right field wall.
The Royals nearly answered back with four runs of their own in the bottom of the inning when
Jarad Watts hit a double down the right-field line that cleared the bases, but with one out and Watts on second BU was unable to drive in the game-tying run.
Jake Hanzalik, who was dealing well throughout the first six innings, was credited with the loss in game one. Hanzalik was charged with five runs, three walks, eight hits, and five strikeouts.
Bethel didn't let the loss in Monday's opener get them down, as the Royals jumped right out of the gates with
Bryce Marquardt's lead-off in-the-park home run in the first at-bat of the second tilt. Marquardt's trip around the bases completed a cycle for him on the day after just five at-bats.
Stout got two back in the bottom of the first, but it was all BU from then on out.
Jarad Watts hit his first home run of the season in the third with a solo shot over the right field fence.
Nik Anderson then drove in Bethel's third run with a single to center that scored
Mike Schultz in the fourth. Later on in the frame, Watts hit his second home run in as many at-bats with two runners on. With the score already 6-2,
Matt Conrad provided an insurance run in the sixth with a single up the middle. The Blue Devils got one more in the bottom of the seventh, but it wasn't enough, as the Royals picked up their first win of the season by a final of 7-3.
Joe Zorn picked up the win after allowing two earned runs and five hits in a complete-game performance. Zorn fanned nine batters and gave just one-walk in the seven-inning effort.
Bryce Marquardt finished the day 5-of-7 at the plate with 12 total bases, three runs, two RBIs, two doubles, one triple, and one home run.
Nik Anderson was 3-of-5 with a pair of walks and two RBIs.
Jarad Watts was 3-for-8 with 10 total bases and seven RBIs.
The Royals return to the diamond tomorrow to face UW-Superior at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. First pitch between Bethel and the Yellowjackets is scheduled for 4 p.m. with game two expected to be under the lights at the recently renovated Reynolds Field.
