STORM LAKE, IOWA--Buena Vista utilized a seven-run explosion across the third, fifth, and seventh innings to secure a 10-3 victory over the Hamline University baseball team in Storm Lake, Iowa on Wednesday night.

The Pipers fall to 5-24, while the Beavers improve to 22-6.

Buena Vista 10, Hamline 3

In the second inning, the Pipers got on the board first when Grant Peltier doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Vanek, giving them a 1-0 lead. The Beavers responded in the bottom half, tying the game at 1-1 after a series of passed balls and a wild pitch allowed a run to score.

Buena Vista took the lead in the third inning with a pair of runs. Drew Taylor and Kaden Struck each contributed with an RBI, pushing the Beavers ahead 3-1. Hamline narrowed the gap in the fourth when Finn Melchior scored on a groundout by Stevie Schmitt, reducing the lead to 3-2.

In the fifth inning, the Pipers tied the game at 3-3 when Alexander Hokenson scored on a double by Peltier. However, Buena Vista quickly regained the lead with two runs, including an RBI triple by Struck, to make it 5-3.

The seventh inning saw a pivotal moment as Buena Vista extended its lead significantly. Evan Taylor delivered a bases-clearing double that brought home three runs, increasing their advantage to 8-3.

Hamline was unable to muster any further scoring, and the Beavers added another run in the eighth to secure a 10-3 victory. Despite the early offensive efforts, the Pipers were outscored by Buena Vista, who capitalized on key opportunities throughout the game.

Grant Peltier led Hamline with a notable performance, recording two hits and two doubles, driving in one run, and scoring once. Finn Melchior contributed with two hits and scored a run, though he also struck out once. On the mound, Melchior pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs while striking out four batters. Despite not recording a hit, Vanek managed to drive in one run and drew a walk. Bentley Casey showed versatility with both his bat and speed, securing a hit, getting hit by a pitch, and successfully stealing a base, although he was caught stealing once.

Carter Hoff pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing three hits, including a double and a triple, and two earned runs without issuing a walk or recording a strikeout. Dryden Seeley delivered a strong 1 2/3 innings of relief, yielding only one hit and one walk while striking out one batter and not giving up any runs. Joe Boyle faced five batters in 2/3 of an inning, allowing three earned runs on three walks with one strikeout, also recording a wild pitch and a balk. Cameron Hickox pitched 1 1/3 innings, conceding two hits and one earned run with one strikeout and one walk, while the inherited runners did not score.

Evan Taylor made a significant impact with four RBIs, contributing to the team's offensive strength. Drew Taylor was a catalyst on the bases, scoring three runs, while Kaden Struck showcased his versatility with three hits, including a double and a triple, and drove in two runs. Joel Garcia was a defensive stalwart at shortstop, recording nine assists. On the pitching front, Gunnar Russell delivered a solid performance, pitching one inning without allowing a hit or run.

The Pipers will make the short trip to Macalester (DH) on Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m.