TOPEKA, KANSAS--The Hamline University baseball team split a pair of games against Martin Luther in Topeka, Kansas on Friday afternoon. The Pipers dropped game one 13-7 before they prevailed in game two 14-4 (7 innings).

The Pipers exited Friday with a 1-3 record, while the Knights began their 2025 season 1-1.

Martin Luther 13, Hamline 7 (Game One)

Kyle Vanek was a standout performer for the Pipers, going 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI. Grant Peltier also contributed significantly with a triple and one RBI, which highlighted his 2-for-4 performance. Additionally, Caden Erickson displayed consistent hitting, going 3-for-5 with one run scored. Tyler Johnson added to Hamline's success with two runs scored and a stolen base, while delivering an RBI. Lastly, Alexander Hokenson supported the Pipers' efforts with a 2-for-5 outing, including an RBI and a stolen base.

On the mound, Conor Mestemacher pitched five innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs, with seven strikeouts and two walks. Carter Hoff contributed 1 2/3 innings, yielding two hits and three runs while striking out two. Bentley Casey faced five batters over 1/3 of an inning, giving up three hits and three runs with one strikeout. Joe Boyle pitched a scoreless eighth inning, allowing one hit and striking out one. Dryden Seeley pitched the ninth inning, surrendering two hits and two earned runs while issuing one walk.

Jordan Ramirez led the Knights with three runs and three hits, including a double, two RBI, and a stolen base. Carlos Walta made a significant impact with a two-run home run. Parker Winghart excelled with a strong showing at shortstop, delivering two doubles and an RBI. On the mound, Heckendorf pitched six innings, allowing only one earned run while striking out three batters, securing the win.

Hamline 14, Martin Luther 4 (7 innings) (Game Two)

Ryan Burley excelled for the Pipers, going 4-for-4 with three runs scored, two stolen bases, and a hit by pitch. Tyler Johnson led the Pipers with a 3-for-5 game that consisted of five RBI, three runs and a double. On the mound, Teagan Yotter was effective in relief, earning a win with two strikeouts over two innings Caden Erickson provided strong defense with five assists and also contributed offensively by scoring two runs and hitting a double en route to a 2-for-4 performance.

Sabastian Teague pitched two innings, allowing five hits and four runs while walking two batters, facing 12 batters and throwing 41 pitches. Teagan Yotter pitched effectively over two innings, conceding just one hit and one walk while striking out two batters. Yotter also recorded a win, improving his record to 1-0. Ethan Smith completed three innings, allowing four hits and two walks, and striking out two batters.

Parker Winghart made an impact on defense for Martin Luther, recording six assists and turning one double play from the shortstop position. Carlos Walta, despite a challenging day on the mound with five earned runs over 1 1/3 innings, maintained a perfect on-base percentage due to a walk. Samuel Rodriguez was effective as both a pitcher and a hitter, achieving an OPS of 1.333 with two hits and a solid pitching performance, allowing no earned runs over 4 2/3 innings while striking out three. Mark Vogel contributed offensively with one hit and two walks, resulting in an OPS of 2.000, and defensively, he threw out three-of-seven attempted base stealers. John Westendorf also made his mark as a pitcher and fielder, achieving four assists and one double play in the field, despite a tough outing on the mound allowing five earned runs in a short 2/3 innings pitched.

Both teams will square-off again in Topeka, Kansas tomorrow, Saturday, March 1 at 12 p.m.