MORRIS, Minn. – Aidan Russell continues to rewrite the Bethany Lutheran baseball program record books, etching his name in as the all-time runs leader on Friday night as the Vikings defeated Morris, 12-9. With the win, the Vikings improve to 21-12 overall and 14-2 in the UMAC, while the Cougars fall to 15-16 overall and 11-5 in conference play.

Hear from the Vikings 
Here's what head coach Ryan Kragh had to say about the game.

"I thought we played well defensively, and timely hitting. Pitching needs to be better down the stretch. Russell keeps breaking records which is good to see for a kid that has meant so much to this family. Big games tomorrow. Hopefully we clean up some things."

Inside the Box Scores

Bethany got the scoring started in this one, as Eli Fest and Gary Swann each reached base to open the game, later coming around to score on at-bats from Xander Meissner and Nolan Spence. Morris evened the score in the bottom half with a two-RBI single, sending the teams to the second inning tied.

Following a quick second frame from both teams, Morris added their third run of the game in the third inning to take a one-run lead. Another scoreless fourth inning from both squads set up a fifth-inning outburst that helped the Vikings push their way toward victory.

After a pair of walks, it was a Russell double that tied the game at three. A few batters later, Josh Robb singled to bring in two more and give the Vikings a 5-3 lead. A walk loaded the bases before Seth Jones cleared them with a double to left-center, putting the Vikings on top 8-3. Jones then scored on a Will Carlson single to cap off a seven-run inning for Bethany.

Russell, who broke the school record for home runs just a few weeks ago, extended his program-record tally with a solo shot in the top of the sixth inning, making it 10-3 in favor of the Vikings.

Minnesota Morris added a run in the bottom of the seventh, before Meissner launched a no-doubt homer in the top of the eighth to plate two more and stretch the lead to 12-4.

The Cougars responded with five runs in the bottom of the eighth, but Ethan Lung came on in the ninth to shut the door.

Russell had three hits and added three runs to top the program record books with 149 career runs. Five other Vikings tallied two hits, with both Meissner and Jones adding three RBI apiece.

Trent Ash earned the win on the mound, allowing three earned runs over six innings of work while striking out eight.

The Vikings and Cougars will square off again tomorrow in a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.