SAINT PAUL, MINN.--On Sunday, the Hamline University baseball team fell to Northern State (4-11) 13-3 (8 innings) at the Kino Complex in Tucson, Arizona.
The Pipers fall to 4-9, while the Wolves improve to 4-11.
Northern State 13, Hamline 3 (8 innings)
The game remained scoreless through the first three frames, with the Pipers managing to get on base but unable to convert those opportunities into runs.
Tyler Johnson's double in the first inning was a highlight, although the team left a runner stranded in the opening frame.
The fourth inning saw the Wolves take the lead with three runs. Nicholas Ochoa single, and Nick Friedges's double brought in the first run. Brennan Phillips later doubled, bringing in two more runs, setting the score at 3-0 in favor of the Wolves.
After Northern State pushed their lead to 5-0 in the fifth frame, Hamline responded in the seventh inning, when the team capitalized on a few key plays to bring in three runs.
Alexander Hokenson started with a single, followed by
Ryan Burley's and
Ethan Smith's hits to load the bases. A series of strategic plays, including a sacrifice fly by
Tyler Johnson and a double by
Caden Erickson, helped the Pipers close the gap to 5-3.
Despite Hamline's efforts, the Wolves extended their lead in the seventh inning, scoring six runs, many of which were unearned due to fielding errors. Brennan Phillips's double and Dillon Castellanos's single were significant contributions to their score. The game concluded with the Wolves securing a 13-3 victory, despite the Pipers' late rally in the seventh inning.
Tyler Johnson stood out for Hamline, contributing both offensively and defensively. He recorded a hit and an RBI with a double, while also being hit by a pitch and hitting a sacrifice fly. On the field, Johnson made a key play with an assist and was involved in one double play from his position at first base.
Caden Erickson was notable at third base, leading the team with four assists. He also contributed offensively with a double, a hit, and an RBI, reaching base via a hit by pitch.
Alexander Hokenson made an impact with both his bat and on the mound. He scored a run and collected two hits, including a double. As a pitcher, Hokenson appeared in two games, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing no earned runs, while picking off one runner.
Teagan Yotter pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing four hits and two earned runs with one walk and no strikeouts, facing eight batters.
Conor Mestemacher started the game and pitched 4 2/3 innings, giving up seven hits and five earned runs, while walking two and striking out four in 25 batters faced. Mestemacher also allowed two doubles and hit two batters, while the team recorded four stolen bases against him.
Brennan Phillips led the Wolves with three RBIs and two doubles in their last game, highlighting his performance at the plate. Dillon Castellanos contributed significantly with two hits, two RBIs, and a stolen base, showing his versatility. Jordan Hull recorded two runs, two hits, and a triple, adding a dynamic presence in the outfield. Nick Friedges stood out with four hits, including a double, and three runs scored, while also stealing three bases. On the mound, Braxton Kusler delivered a strong performance with five innings pitched, striking out ten batters and earning the win without allowing any runs.
The Pipers will face Wesleyan (Conn.) in Tucson, Arizona on Tuesday, March 18 at 12:30 p.m. (PT).
