LINCOLN, NEB.--The Hamline University baseball team opened the 2025 season with 11-5 and 11-10 (10 innings) losses at Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln on Thursday.
The Pipers fall to 0-2, while the Prairie Wolves improve to 2-0.
Nebraska Wesleyan 11, Hamline 5 (Game One)
Tyler Johnson stood out for Hamline with an impressive offensive performance, recording three hits, including a double and a home run, while driving in two runs and scoring twice.
Alexander Hokenson contributed with two hits, one of which was a double, and one RBI.
Ethan Smith was effective with the bases loaded, driving in two runs with his lone hit and turning in a strong defensive performance with four assists.
Carter Betts and Brady Bell were standout performers for the Wolves. Betts scored three runs and hit a double, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. His performance in the field was equally impressive, recording four assists. Bell added power to the lineup with a two-run home run, driving in two runs overall. Duncan Ortega was also crucial defensively, leading the team with seven assists from his position at shortstop. Tommy Fiocchi made a significant impact with two hits, including a home run, bringing in two runs and scoring once himself.
Hans Christensen V pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing 13 hits and 10 runs, with six of those being earned. He struck out four batters and did not issue any walks, throwing 86 pitches with 63 strikes. Despite conceding four doubles and one home run, Christensen managed to induce seven groundouts.
Carter Hoff relieved for 1 1/3 innings, giving up one hit, which was a home run, and one earned run while recording three strikeouts on 18 pitches.
Nebraska Wesleyan 11, Hamline 10 (10 innings) (Game Two)
Caden Erickson and
Tyler Johnson stood out for the Pipers with impressive offensive performances. Erickson recorded three RBIs and hit one home run, achieving an OPS of .833. Meanwhile, Johnson matched Erickson with three RBIs and also added a home run, leading the team with an OPS of 1.917.
Grant Peltier contributed with two hits, scoring two runs and driving in one RBI while also hitting a home run, resulting in an OPS of 1.400.
Parker Leipzig pitched for four innings, allowing six hits and four earned runs, while striking out one and walking four. He threw 74 pitches, with 38 strikes, and allowed one home run and one triple.
Dalton Maxwell appeared in relief for two innings, giving up five earned runs on five hits, including a double and a home run, and struck out four batters.
Cameron Hickox pitched 3 innings, allowing one hit and one earned run, with four strikeouts and four walks.
Carter Betts, a senior shortstop, made a notable impact by scoring three runs and hitting a home run. Tyler Merkel, a senior catcher, contributed significantly with five RBIs and a home run, while also managing two runs to maintain a 1.500 OPS. On the pitching front, Brady Bell, serving as both a designated hitter and a pitcher, completed two innings with an impressive WHIP of 0.50, allowing only one hit and striking out three. Bell also excelled at the plate with a triple and one RBI. Additionally, Jake Gerardis, a senior second baseman, supported the team's efforts with two hits, including a double, and one RBI, while recording four assists in the field.
The Pipers will face Martin Luther (DH) in Topeka, Kansas tomorrow, Friday, February 28 at 12 p.m.
