TUCSON—Bethel University's bats came alive Friday night in the desert, as the Royals (8-5) routed Carthage College in seven innings by a final score of 16-3. BU's ten-run rule victory over the Red Men (4-7)—a team that played in the NCAA Region Championship game one year ago—improves their overall record to 8-5 on the season and ends a two-game skid.

Bethel scored in every inning but the last, including five in the first, two in the second, three in the third, one in the fourth, one in the fifth, and four in the sixth.
 
Sam Horner gave the Royals a jolt in the top of the first by lacing a two-out, bases-loaded double down the left field line that scored all three runners. He then scored on Logan Lisle's single to right in the very next at-bat.
 
BU added to its lead in the second when Bryce Marquardt got on base and stole second and third base before Bret Neuville's sacrifice fly brought him home. Lars Anderson then drove in Jarad Watts later in the frame with an infield single.
 
Bethel scored three more in the third when Bryce Marquardt singled to left field and drove in Logan Listle. Jarad Watts then brought Esteban Velasco home on a single to center and Bret Neuville's ground ball out scored Marquardt.
 
Esteban Velasco hit a two-out single and stole second in the fifth. He then scored on Marquardt's RBI-single up the middle.

Austin Ledin scored the Royals' only run in the fifth when he hit a single and advanced to third on Lars Anderson's double. Sam Horner drove in his fourth run of the game on an RBI-groundout.
 
Bethel's scoring parade concluded in the sixth when the Royals plated four runners in the frame. Jarad Watts hit a one-out double down the right field line, which was followed by Bret Neuville's single to left. A wild pitch brought Watts home and Neuville to second before Matt Conrad blasted an RBI-triple to left field. Lars Anderson drove in Conrad on a two-out single, which was followed by Sam Horner's double.
 
Carthage was held to three runs throughout the seven innings of play—one in the first three frames. Tyler Heitmann finished his night with three strikeouts and one walk in 2.2 innings pitched. Grant Martinson, who was the pitcher of decision, improved to 2-0 on the season with two strikeouts, zero walks, and zero hits in 1.1 innings pitched. Jake Hanzalik pitched 1-2-3 innings in the fifth and sixth inning, before Cody Hepfler finished off the scoreless seventh inning. Altogether, Bethel's pitchers allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk, while striking out seven.
 
On offense, BU finished with 23 hits, including five doubles and one triple, seven walks, and three stolen bases, which culminated in 16 runs.
 
Bethel will play Luther College in a double-header Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. (MT). They will then closeout their weekend trip to Tucson with a 9-inning contest against Williams College Saturday at 10 a.m.