Mankato, MN - Martin Luther College managed just three hits in its conference opener against Bethany on Tuesday afternoon in Mankato. The Vikings defeated the Knights 10-0 in seven innings, with the game ending on a wild pitch thrown by Aaron Bode.

The Knights' offense had its best opportunity at scoring a run in the top of the first inning when they had runners in the corner after a Spencer Lilienthal walk and a Mason Cox infield single, but MLC left the runners stranded after Jackson Lindemann popped up to the pitcher. The Vikings got off to a fast start at the plate after scratching off three runs in the first inning, which was led by solid fundamental hitting, including a sacrifice fly and an infield single.

Bethany's bullpen seemed to get stronger as the innings went on, as they accounted for nine of the ten strikeouts thrown on the day for the Vikings. Bethany would only tack on one more run until the bottom of the fifth inning, where the Vikings broke the game open with a two-run homerun by leadoff hitter, Liam Petersen. The right fielder led the offensive attack for Bethany, going 3-3 at the plate, with four runs scored and two RBI.

Zach Klement suffered the loss for MLC after pitching 4 innings, allowing six runs on seven hits. Despite the loss, Klement did show flashes of great command in the strike zone and hit his spots on various off-speed pitches.

The Knights (3-6) will return to action on Sunday, April 2, when they play Crown. First pitch is at 11 a.m. at Gustie Baseball Park in St. Peter.