Hamline University Athletics

Mitch Benson truly battered opposing pitchers for the Piper baseball team. The Cedar, Minn. native went 13-for-26 -- reaching base 12 times in a row at one point as the Pipers went 3-5 in a busy week and stayed in the race for a MIAC postseason spot. Benson went 0-for-2 in his first game against St. John's (although he draw a walk) but then went on the following tear:

• 1 for 3 in the second game against the Johnnies. 
• 3 for 7 with a double, a rbi and a sac bunt in two games against St. Thomas.
• 5 for 6 with three doubles, four runs scored, three RBI and a walk against St. Olaf.
• 4 for 9, three runs scored, a double and a RBI against Augsburg.

All told, it was a .500 week (13-for-26) and it raised his batting average 49 points to .368. 

The senior also remained perfect defensively in center field with 18 putouts (six in one game against Augsburg). For the season, he has handled 79 chances flawlessly. 

Benson and the Pipers continue their run for a playoff spot Wednesday, May 2 at Gustavus Adolphus (2:30 p.m.). They finish the regular season Saturday, May 5 at St. Mary's (3:00 p.m.) and Sunday, May 6 against Carleton at CHS Field (6:30 p.m.). HU is 13-17 overall and 6-8 in the MIAC. They are one game behind Concordia for the sixth -- and last -- playoff spot.