NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- The streets of Northfield, Minn., are now cleaner, as the Bethel University baseball team not only swept Carleton College—a team that had yet to lose in conference play—but also held them scoreless in Saturday afternoon's twin bill. The Royals allowed eight total hits in 16 innings played and outscored the Knights 10-0.
Saturday's brightest star was senior pitcher
Joe Zorn, who had already picked up a three-inning save on Wednesday against Saint John's University. Zorn featured his rubber arm, by throwing nine shutout innings in game two against Carleton. The 6-7, righty struck out seven and walked zero to help his team outlast the Knights 3-0 in game two. With the gem on the mound, Zorn is now 4-0 on the season with a 38:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Jake Hanzalik improved to 3-2 on the season with a win in game number one. Hanzalik allowed no runs in 4.0 innings pitched, thanks to a strikeout and just one hit surrendered.
Grant Martinson picked up his second save of the season with a scoreless three-inning effort in relief. Martinson struck out two in 10 batters faced.
Mike Schultz and
Paul Weidner each went 2-for-3 in the first game, with Schultz driving his second home run in as many games.
Bryce Marquardt went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored and
Nik Anderson finished 1-for-3 with a two-run single in the fifth inning.
Despite being a pitcher's duel in game two, Bethel still showcased its bats at the plate. More specifically,
Bret Neuville displayed his power once again with a two-run blast in the fourth inning.
Jarad Watts then drove in Marquardt in the fifth with a double to left center. Watt's double continued his hitting streak, which has now reached 14 total games.
With the MIAC sweep, Bethel is now 7-1 against league opponents and 18-4 overall. The Royals take a breather from conference action on Tuesday, April 14, when they face the University of Northwestern at Hargis Park with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. Following their date with the Eagles, BU hosts Concordia College the very next day at 2:30 p.m.
