GAME STATS 1 | GAME STATS 2 PICTURED ABOVE: Evan Rahn threw a complete game three-hit shutout in Wheaton's 1-0 win over Bethel in Game 1 on Saturday.

Fort Myers, Fla.- The Wheaton baseball team kicked off its 2013 season by splitting a twinbill against the Bethel University Royals. Wheaton took game one with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Bethel University on Saturday in Fort Myers, Florida. Evan Rahn went the distance on the mound for the Thunder (1-0) silencing the Bethel with five strikeouts while allowing just three hits. In game two, the Royals used a pair of big innings to blow past the Thunder 9-2 and take the nightcap.

Rahn and Bethel's Jake Hanzalik traded zeros in a scoreless pitchers dual through five innings before both teams threatened in the sixth innings. In the top of the sixth, the Royals placed runners on first and second with just one out. Bethel's Matt Rowley lifted a short pop fly into short center field that was hauled in at full extension by second baseman Justin Swider (PICTURED RIGHT) for the second out and Rahn worked his way out of trouble to keep the score tied. In the bottom half, Desmond Cato reached on an error and moved to second when the ball rolled out of play. Following a strike out, Cato was driven home on a line drive single to left by Kyle Mellinger. Rahn would slam the door in the seventh to complete the shutout.

In game two, the Royals struck quickly with four runs in the top of the first inning and looked to add more in the second, but Thunder starter Andrew Bayer worked out of a bases loaded jam without allowing a run to keep Wheaton in the game early.

The score would remain 4-0 until the top of the fifth inning when Wheaton was able to crack the scoreboard. Matt Schappell led off the inning with a hit by pitch and moved around to third when Cato (PICTURED LEFT) reached on an error.  Josh Kimmel's fielder's choice would plate Schappell while retiring Cato at second base.

Bethel added five runs in the top of the seventh inning to take a 9-1 lead before Wheaton answered with a run in the bottom of the inning to make the final score 9-2.

Wheaton will return to action on Monday when the Thunder take on Monmouth College at 1 PM EST.