TUCSON, ARIZ.--The Hamline University baseball team defeated Wesleyan (Conn.) 8-5 on Tuesday at the Kino Complex in Tucson, Ariz.

The Pipers improve to 5-9, while the Cardinals fall to 3-6.

Hamline 8, Wesleyan (Conn.) 5

Hamline rallied in the fourth inning, scoring four runs to take a 4-4 tie against the Cardinals. The inning was highlighted by Kyle Vanek's double to right center, which drove in two runs. Jacob Barmore followed with a single that brought in another run, and Tyler Johnson capped the inning with a two-RBI single through the left side.

In the sixth inning, the Pipers added two more runs to their tally. Ethan Smith delivered with a single up the middle, bringing home Jacob Hasapopoulos and Jacob Barmore, putting them ahead 6-5.

The eighth inning saw Hamline extend their lead further with two additional runs. Grant Peltier, pinch-hitting, tripled to left center and was driven in by Tyler Johnson's single. Caden Erickson then doubled to left field to score Tyler Johnson, bringing the score to 8-5 in favor of the Pipers.

Hamline's defense held strong in the final innings, preventing the Cardinals from scoring again. The game concluded with Hamline securing an 8-5 victory, supported by their 14 hits and steady pitching, which kept Wesleyan off the board after the sixth inning.

Tyler Johnson led the Pipers with an impressive performance, recording three hits and three RBI. Kyle Vanek also delivered a strong game, contributing three hits, including a double, two RBIs, and a stolen base. Jacob Barmore added to the offensive efforts, scoring two runs on three hits and driving in one run. As a pitcher, Dalton Maxwell excelled on the mound, pitching 6.1 innings in relief, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out six. Maxwell threw 46 strikes out of 62 pitches. His performance earned him a win, improving his record to 2-2 for the season.

Ernie Little stood out for the Cardinals, contributing significantly with two hits, including a double, one run, one RBI, and a stolen base. Jake Acker was notable as well, recording one hit, one run, one RBI, and a stolen base, while also reaching base via a hit-by-pitch. On the mound, Shamus Kelly delivered a solid performance with six innings pitched, striking out six batters while allowing nine hits and three earned runs. Kelly's efforts were marked by an 88-pitch outing, with 61 strikes. Lastly, Connor Sullivan contributed offensively by scoring two runs and drawing one walk.

The Pipers will face Augsburg in Tucson, Arizona tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19 at 1:30 p.m. (PT).