TUCSON, ARIZ.--On Saturday, the Hamline University baseball team fell to UT Dallas 8-2 at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona.

The Pipers exit their spring trip with a 5-12 record, while the Comets improve to 16-1.

UT-Dallas 8, Hamline 2

In the first inning, UT Dallas took an early lead with Austin Wallace scoring after a sacrifice fly by Jayden Chatman, making the score 1-0. Hamline's Ryan Burley reached base with a single but was left stranded at second base, concluding the inning without a run.

UT Dallas extended their lead in the second inning with a series of hits, scoring five runs. Nico Fernandez contributed with a two-RBI single, and Jayden Chatman followed with a double that drove in two more, bringing the score to 6-0. The Pipers' offense was held in check, despite Alexander Hokenson reaching base on an error.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Hamline managed to break through. Ryan Burley singled and eventually scored on a Tyler Johnson single, which was followed by Caden Erickson scoring on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Vanek. This reduced the deficit to 6-2.

During the eighth inning, the Comets increased their advantage with two additional runs thanks to a double by Fernandez, scoring Wallace and Lucas Rexin. Hamline responded with three hits in their half of the inning, but Ethan Smith was tagged out at home, leaving the score at 8-2. Despite several opportunities throughout the game, Hamline was unable to add more runs, concluding the game with a final score of 8-2 in favor of UT Dallas.

Ryan Burley led the Pipers with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate, contributing one run and two walks while securing one stolen base. Finn Melchior excelled on the mound, pitching one inning without allowing a hit or run and striking out two batters over three appearances. Ethan Smith showcased his defensive prowess, tallying five assists at second base. Tyler Johnson recorded the only RBI for the team, going 1-for-5 with two groundouts. Alexander Hokenson demonstrated solid hitting, achieving a 2-for-3 outing with one walk.

Parker Leipzig pitched five innings, allowing 11 hits and six earned runs while striking out three and walking three. He faced 28 batters, threw 86 pitches with 52 strikes, and recorded two strikeouts looking. Conor Mestemacher made a relief appearance, pitching 3 innings with four hits and two earned runs allowed. He struck out three, walked two, and threw 53 pitches with 33 strikes.

Nico Fernandez led the Comets with four hits and four RBIs, including a double. Austin Wallace crossed the plate three times, contributing to the team's offensive output with two hits and three stolen bases. Jayden Chatman added three RBIs with a hit and a sacrifice fly, also recording a double. On the mound, Apollo Cassimatis, delivered two innings with only one hit allowed, no runs, and one strikeout, securing his third win of the season.

The Pipers will return to action on Wednesday, March 26 against Northland College in River Falls, Wisconsin. The single, nine-inning game will begin at 10:30 a.m.