The St. Thomas baseball team took a step toward winning a conference championship on Tuesday, beating preseason MIAC favorite Bethel twice on the road in Arden Hills, Minnesota.

The Tommies (15-3 overall, 8-0 MIAC) defeated Bethel (13-12 overall, 3-5 MIAC) by scores of 3-1 and 6-4.

“Bethel is a really good team,” St. Thomas coach Chris Olean said. “Any time you can come up here (to Bethel) and get two wins, you’re pretty happy.”

Pitching was key for the Tommies in the first game, as Mitch Larson was credited with the win on the mound, going 5 1/3 innings, surrendering four hits and no runs while walking only one Bethel batter.

“I was working the outer half of the plate and mixing up speeds with my fastball,” Larson said. “I didn’t have full command of my changeup or my curveball early but as the game went on they got better and really kept the hitters off balance.”

First baseman Cory Quinlan and outfielder Waylon Bemboom carried the Tommies at the plate in game one, each contributing with two hits.

Quinlan had one RBI while outfielder Jake Smith had the other two runs batted in. Every batter in St. Thomas’ starting lineup had at least one hit.

After Larson was done on the mound, Matt Behounek pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing one hit, striking out one and walking one.

Pitcher Alex Ogren, the closer for the Tommies, was credited with the save, giving up a solo home run in his one inning of work.

In the second game, offense carried the Tommies to victory.

Bemboom was again a factor in the outcome as he went 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored. With the Tommies down 4-3 and one out in the top of the seventh inning, Bemboom singled and proceeded to steal second base. He advanced to third base on a throwing error by the catcher and seemed to light a fire under the Tommies, who would take the lead later in the inning.

“Waylon has been the key to our offense coming around,” Olean said. “He’s really ignited us and been a huge plus.”

Quinlan had three hits as well.

Third baseman Dan Ziemann had two hits, scored a run and drove in two runs; both shortstop Zach Gottfredsen and third baseman Chad Clute each had two hits. Smith, shortstop Brady Johnson and catcher Keller Knoll had a hit each.

Caleb Fernholz was the starting pitcher for the Tommies in the second game. He tossed four innings, allowing four hits and two runs, while striking out two and walking two.

After Fernholz, Drew Molin came in and threw 2 2/3 innings, also giving up four hits and a pair of runs, striking out two and allowing no walks. He was ultimately credited with the win.

Ryan Zimmerman threw two scoreless innings after Molin exited.

Pitcher Eric Veglahn was awarded the save after he was brought on to get the final out. Veglahn struck out the only batter that he faced.

The two wins are extra special for returning members of last year’s St. Thomas team.

“It means a lot for us to beat Bethel, particularly for the seniors,” Johnson said. “They swept us on our home field last year to pretty much lock up their first conference title. Seeing them celebrate on our field was something that stuck with the entire team, so we definitely had today circled on our calendar.”

The Tommies will be back in action at 1 p.m. Saturday when they host a doubleheader against Macalester.

Taylor Smith can be reached at smit9660@stthomas.edu.