Notables
-Earliest outdoor game in Minnesota in program history
- Marolt finishes with a career-high five RBIs
- CSS is now 4-1-1 all-time against Bethel University
- Bethel out-hit the Saints 9-6, but failed to convert by leaving 11 runners on base
ST. PAUL (csssaints.com) – The St. Scholastica baseball team opened up its season with a solid victory on Sunday, defeating Bethel University 6-2 at the University of Northwestern's Reynolds Field.
1st Inning Statement
With having to wait all year long for the season to roll around, Al Marolt (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial HS) and the rest of the Saints were ready to make up for lost time. It didn't take them long, as CSS pushed across five runs in the top of the first, all of which were unearned thanks to a Bethel error that prolonged the inning. The scoring started off with a bases loaded walk, as Chris Olson (Duluth, Minn./Duluth East HS ) took four balls to earn the first RBI of the year for St. Scholastica.
The best thing in baseball happened next, as Marolt knocked one over the fence with the bases loaded to open up his senior campaign with a grand slam. The Saints found themselves up early, taking a 5-0 lead into the bottom of the first inning.
5th Inning
Outside of the first inning, the only other scoring took place in the fifth inning. The Saints increased their lead to 6-0 after Marolt doubled to left field, scoring Riley Bernsdorf (Meadowlands, Minn. /Floodwood HS). The Royals would get two runs back in the bottom-half of the fifth, but that would mark the beginning and end of their scoring on the day.
Pitching Dominance
St. Scholastica's Jordan Risse (Sioux Falls, S.D./Washington HS ) started on the mound for the Saints, working his way through four solid innings before being replaced. Risse only allowed three hits on his way to a four-strikeout performance, but also walked four batters. Joe Gonrowski (Elk River, Minn./Elk River HS ) also had a solid day in relief, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings.
Top Performers
St. Scholatica was led offensively by Marolt, who had a tremendous day by going 2-for-3 from the plate with a grand slam and five RBIs. Also having a good day swinging the bat was freshman Riley Bernsdorf (Meadowlands, Minn. /Floodwood HS), who went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and a walk. Risse was the top performer on the mound, earning the win after throwing four scoreless innings.
Bethel was led by Bryce Marquardt, who went 3-for-3 on the day. Matt Conrad produced the only RBI for the Royals after his single to center field in the fifth.
Up Next
The Saints will take their 1-0 record to Minnetonka next weekend for a doubleheader against Saint Mary's University. The first game is slated to start at 1 p.m.
