ROSEVILLE, Minn.—It was a first inning to forget for Bethel University baseball fans Sunday afternoon, as the Royals (1-1) allowed five unearned runs against the College of St. Scholastica. The early misfortune led to a 6-2 finish in favor of the Saints (1-0), despite BU outscoring CSS 2-1 in the remaining eight frames.
 
St. Scholastica's five first-inning runs came with the bases loaded and two outs. The Saints drew a walk and then tallied four more runs with an inside-the-park grand slam. CSS then went ahead 6-0 with a pair of fifth-inning doubles. Bethel charged back in the in the bottom of the fifth with two runs that came via a double steal and an RBI-single from Matt Conrad. BU was held scoreless, though, in the remaining four innings.
 
The disheartening first inning overshadowed Tyler Heitmann's dynamite relief appearance for the Royals. Heitmann came in to start the third and finished the final seven frames. The Baldwin, Wisconsin native allowed three hits, two walks, and one earned run in 7.0 innings pitched, while striking out eight. After 11.0 innings pitched this season, "Heity" has held opposing hitters to a .154 average.
 
Bryce Marquardt led Bethel at the plate, as the leadoff batter finished 3-for-3 with a walk and a hit by pitch. Bret Neuville followed up his 4-for-4 performance on opening day last Saturday with a 2-for-5 effort today.  Jarad Watts recorded the only extra-base hit throughout the nine-inning matinee.
 
The Royals have been fortunate to play two outdoor games before their annual spring break trip, which is scheduled for March 11-18 this season. Their next opponent is Plymouth State University in Ft. Myers on March 11.