ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's baseball team lifted a huge weight off of its shoulders Wednesday evening, as the defending MIAC champions picked up their first conference victory of the season with a decisive 17-3 victory in game two of the league double header. The Royals (11-10, 1-3 MIAC) fell to the Cobbers (12-8, 2-2 MIAC) 3-8 in Wednesday's opener, but utilized 19 hits and eight walks to defeat Concordia in game two.
 
Senior hurler Matt Herringshaw improved to 2-1 on the season with a six-hit, two-walk, and five-strikeout performance in six innings pitched. Herringshaw, who held Concordia's first four batters to a combined 0-for-15 number at the plate, allowed just three runs—one earned—and zero extra-base hits.
 
Matt Conrad finished the day 5-for-7 with two walks at the plate. His two singles, two doubles, and one home run helped him score three times and drive in four. Bryce Marquardt went 5-for-9 with a pair of runs scored and Jarad Watts was 4-for-8 with one walk, one double, one home run, four runs, and three RBI. Like Watts, Esteban Velasco went 4-for-8 with two doubles and two runs scored and Austin Ledin finished 3-for-7 with two walks, two runs, and three RBI.
 
Several other unsung heroes stepped up Wednesday, including Ryan Evenson, John Craig, and Jacob Ashworth. Ryan Evenson finished the day 3-for-6 with three doubles, four RBI, and two runs scored. Meanwhile, John Craig and Jacob Ashworth both picked up their first career hit, which both resulted in at least one RBI.
 
The Royals hope to continue the momentum from Wednesday's 14-run victory over Concordia Saturday at home when they play host to St. Olaf College. First pitch against the Oles is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.