SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus baseball team swept Bethany Lutheran in a non-conference doubleheader Sunday at the Gustie Baseball Field by scores of 3-0 and 4-3. The Gusties improve to 6-1 overall, while the Vikings drop to 1-8.
Gustavus 3, Bethany Lutheran 0 | BOX SCORE
In his first start of the season, Charlie Hutchinson (Sr., Maple Grove) tossed a complete game shutout. Hutchinson allowed just three hits with nine strikeouts against 27 batters.
The only scoring of the game came in the second frame as the Gusties plated three runs on three hits and an error. Nathan Lindberg (Sr., Bloomington) reached on an error to start the inning, stole second, and reached third on a single by Patrick Timmer (So., Lakeville). Nick Azar (Jr., Edina) then knocked in Lindberg with a single to center. Two batters later, Logan Bjorkman (So., Lindstrom) doubled into the right field corner to score Timmer and Azar for a 3-0 lead.
The Vikings stranded six runners on base throughout the game with two reaching third base.
The Gusties had just four hits in the game, one each from Jack Hanson (Jr., Minnetonka), Timmer, Azar, and Bjorkman.
Gustavus 4, Bethany Lutheran 3 (8 inn.) | BOX SCORE
Kathan Decker (So., Apple Valley) got to play the role of hero in game two by hitting a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth, scoring Cole Pengilly (Sr., Le Sueur) for the game-winner. Pengilly reached with a one-out double to the right field corner and advanced to third on a single by Azar, setting up Decker’s walk-off.
Both teams posted three-run innings to set up the extra-inning affair. The Vikings struck first in the third inning with three runs on two hits and an error. Andrew Gustafson (So., Maplewood) got his first start on the mound and lasted three innings for the Gusties, allowing three earned runs on three hits with five strikeouts.
Gustavus answered in the fourth with three runs to tie the game. Chris Knowles (Fy., New Ulm) led off with a triple and scored on a wild pitch. Luke Johnson (So., Paynesville) and Dalton Thelen (Jr., Cold Spring) both walked and stole a base to fill second and third. Hanson then singled down the right field line to score both runs and tie the game. The fifth, sixth, and seventh innings went scoreless to force extras.
Jack Garrison (Jr., Chanhassen) had an impressive four innings of relief, not allowing a hit with nine strikeouts against 13 batters. Damon Rademacher (Sr., Princeton) came in for the eighth and struck out the side after issuing a leadoff walk. Rademacher benefitted from the walk-off in the bottom half to earn the decision.
Hanson led the Gusties at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a walk.
The Gusties return to MIAC play Wednesday afternoon at home against St. Olaf.