COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. — The Bethel University baseball team began the MIAC portion of its schedule with a road doubleheader matchup against Saint John's. Jumping out to an early 8-0 lead BU hung on for an 8-1 game one victory. Heading into extras scoreless in game two, the Johnnies pushed across the winning run in the 10th with their only hit of the game.
The split moves the Royals to 1-1 in MIAC play and 8-7 overall.
Game 1: Bethel 8, Saint John's 1
Matthew Carlsen kick started a 3-for-4 game with a led off single up the middle. A
Nolan Jurgenson walk followed by
Jordan Krupke reaching on a Johnnie error loaded the bases.
Xavier Lortie drew a walk plating the Royals first run of the game. Carlsen's three hits brings his career total to 208 which puts him two hits shy of becoming the Royals all-time hits leader.
An RBI single from Carson Christensen and a throwing error by the Johnnies shortstop that allowed two runs to score capped out the four-run first.
Zach Thompson reached first on the Johnnies third error of the game to lead off the second. The Royals took advantage with Carlsen and Jurgenson loading the bases with a single and a walk. Krukpe then singled to right driving in both Carlsen and Thompson. Christensen followed with a single of his own plating two more and giving the Royals an early 8-0 advantage.
The eight-run lead was plenty for Royals starter Jordan Krukpe who tossed a seven-inning complete game, allowing just one run, two hits and striking out four.
Game 2: Saint John's 1, Bethel 0 (10 innings)
John Solfest started game two on the mound for the Royals throwing nine no-hit innings, striking out seven and allowing just one to reach first base on a second inning walk. He did not get the decision.
SJU plated the game's only run on its only hit of the game as reliever
Ryan Parker picked up the loss. The Johnnies notched a lead-off walk moving that runner into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt and then over to third on a ground out to second.
The Royals threatened in the top of the first, but left the bases loaded. In the fourth,
Zach Thompson drew a leadoff walk followed by a
Chris Cannon single giving the Royals their first hit of the game. Bethel failed to capitalize leaving the bases loaded again.
Xavier Lortie notched the Royals' second hit legging out an infield single in the eighth and then moved to second on a throwing error.
UP NEXT
The Royals take on Carleton in their first home doubleheader at Hargis Park on Saturday, April 6 first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
