ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel University baseball was bested twice by Gustavus Adolphus Saturday afternoon at Hargis Park. In a doubleheader that was scheduled to be played in St. Peter originally, Gustauvs used an eight-run fourth taking the opener 9-2 where Bethel played as the visiting team.

The Royals dropped game two as Gustauvs hit a go-ahead two run home run in the ninth before Joey Fredrickson's shot to left field, which would have brought in the tying run, was snagged in an over the should catch at the track by the left fielder.

Game 1: Gustavus Adolphus 9, Bethel 2
Couldn't get a better start than a lead homer from Caleb Bradnt who sent a 2-2 pitch over the left field fence. For Bethel though that would be the last time a runner crossed the plate until the seventh on as Justin Winterfedlt scored on a pinch-hit single from Brody Schneider.

Four straight singles for the Gusties to start the fourth tied things up at one apiece. Bethel went to reliever Zachary Haala for some relief but another two RBI single that followed with a three-run home run gave GAC an 8-1 advantage.

Game 2: Gustavus Adolphus 5, Bethel 4
Marcus Krupke gave BU the early 1-0 lead scoring Brandt who led off with a double. The ball was flying out of the park for GAC tying it up with a solo shot in the third.

The nightcap didn't stay tied for long as Nick Wibben capitalized on two-out production with a double to left scoring Matthew Carlsen. Bethel plated two more in the fourth taking a 4-2 lead.

Gustavus chipped away cutting the lead to one scoring on a wild pitch in the sixth and then a RBI single in the eighth.

Bethel was an out away from securing a split until Gustavus' two-hitter launched the first pitch he saw over the left field fence giving GAC a 5-4 lead.

Carslen sent a double that stayed just inside the right field line keeping the Royals hopes alive in the home half of the ninth. Fredrickson got ahold of the first pitch he saw in a ball that looked destined to hit the bottom of the left-center fence. But BU's hopes of tying it were denied when the Gustie left fielder made an impressive over the shoulder grab while sliding into the fence.

Up next
Bethel and Gustavus Adolphus will close out the three-game series Monday in St. Peter at 4 p.m. In accordance with GAC's spectator policy, no visiting fans will be allowed to attend.