Royals Crush Crown 20-3 in U.S. Bank Stadium Opener

The Bethel University Royals launched their 2026 baseball season with a dominant 20-3 rout of Crown College in game one at U.S. Bank Stadium. A nine-run fourth inning fueled the blowout, while game two was suspended early with Bethel leading 13-1. Fans packed the Minneapolis venue for the indoor season kickoff on this crisp March day.

MINNEAPOLIS — Under the bright lights of U.S. Bank Stadium, the Bethel Royals wasted no time asserting dominance in their 2026 baseball campaign. Facing off against Crown College Polars, Bethel erupted for 20 runs on a barrage of hits, walks, and timely power, leaving little doubt in the 20-3 final score of game one. The stadium, typically reserved for NFL gridiron battles and massive concerts, transformed into a collegiate diamond paradise, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager for early-season action. The Royals' offense was a relentless machine, scoring in every inning except the first. A pivotal nine-run fourth inning turned a close contest into a rout, highlighted by doubles from Carson Christianson, Michael Koller-Lehman, Isaiah Weber, and Tyler Allshouse. Christianson shone brightest, going 2-for-4 with a double, five RBIs, and two runs scored. Ben Trucke led the scoring with three runs on a 2-for-3 effort, while Oran Hinkle and Hayden Bradford each notched two hits and two runs. Chris Lavin and Drew Girtz added three RBIs apiece, with Girtz also toeing the rubber for four innings, striking out seven and allowing just two hits amid four walks. On the mound, Bethel's staff was lights-out, racking up 14 strikeouts across the game. Ted Hohn fanned five over two innings of relief, and closer Krieger sealed it with two more punchouts. Crown managed only five hits, with Caden Esquerra's 2-for-4 performance and one RBI standing as their lone bright spot. The Polars' pitching faltered under the pressure, unable to contain Bethel's aggressive bats. Game two saw more of the same early on, with Bethel surging to a 13-1 lead through four innings before time constraints forced a suspension. It will resume at a later date, keeping the doubleheader drama alive. Fans at U.S. Bank Stadium witnessed a clinic in offensive firepower and pitching precision, a perfect start to the indoor baseball slate amid Minnesota's lingering winter chill. The Royals, now 1-0, return to the same field Tuesday morning at 10:35 a.m. for the conclusion against Crown, promising more high-energy baseball in the cavernous venue. With the stadium's unique atmosphere boosting the energy, Bethel looks poised to carry this momentum deep into the season, thrilling supporters who braved the elements for a taste of spring training indoors.