RIVER FALLS, WIS.--The Hamline University baseball team fell to Northland 8-6 on Wednesday in River Falls, Wisconsin.

The Pipers fall to 5-13, while the Lumberjacks improve to 1-13.

Northland 8, Hamline 6

The Lumberjacks opened the game strong, scoring two runs in the first inning followed by three in the third, capitalizing on walks and a single by Ridge Guyette. The Pipers responded in the third inning by scoring two runs. A single by Finn Melchior brought home Stevie Schmitt, followed by a sacrifice fly from Kyle Vanek that allowed Johnson to score, narrowed the score to 5-2 in favor of the Lumberjacks.

In the fifth inning, Hamline closed the gap by scoring two more runs, making it a one-run game. Caden Erickson's single, combined with aggressive base running and a sacrifice fly by Alexander Hokenson, brought Erickson and Vanek across the plate, tightening the score to 5-4.

The eighth inning saw Hamline take advantage of a Northland error. Ryan Burley reached third and later scored on a wild pitch, while Tyler Johnson also crossed the plate after an RBI groundout from Melchior. This inning brought Hamline within one run, at 7-6.

Despite the Pipers' efforts, the Lumberjacks extended their lead in the ninth inning by adding two more runs. Hamline attempted a late rally but left the bases loaded, concluding the game with an 8-6 loss.

Tyler Johnson led Hamline with a standout performance, scoring two runs, hitting a double, and walking twice. Erickson contributed defensively with five assists at third base while also scoring a run and walking twice. Melchior provided key batting achievements, driving in two runs on two hits, and was especially effective with runners in scoring position.

Parker Leipzig pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits with three walks and one strikeout. Dalton Maxwell relieved for 4 2/3 innings, surrendering one earned run, giving up six hits, and striking out two. Hans Christensen V pitched the final two innings, conceding two earned runs on five hits while striking out two. The Hamline pitching staff combined for a total of five earned runs allowed and five strikeouts over the course of the game.

Nathan Davison, playing as a right fielder, made an immediate impact by scoring two runs and hitting a double in his lone appearance, highlighting his ability to contribute offensively. Grant Vessey, serving as a designated hitter and pitcher, also scored two runs and added a run batted in, further showcasing his dual-role capabilities. Ridge Guyette was a key offensive player, scoring three runs and hitting three times, including a double. Solberg delivered a strong performance at third base and as a pitcher, recording four hits and three runs batted in, alongside two doubles, which were crucial for the team's offensive strategy.

The Pipers will host St. Olaf (DH) at CHS Field on Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m.