COLLEGEVILLE, MINN.--Saint John's University triumphed over the Hamline University baseball team in a thrilling matchup on Wednesday, overcoming an 11-3 deficit with a five-run eighth inning to seal a 12-11 victory in game two at Becker Park. This followed their earlier 7-4 win against the Pipers in game one.

The Pipers fall to 5-17, 0-4 MIAC, while the Johnnies improve to 16-9, 6-2 MIAC.

Saint John's 7, Hamline 4 (Game One)

The opening game was highlighted by a crucial three-run third inning. The Pipers started strong, taking an early lead when Ryan Burley singled, stole second, and scored on Tyler Johnson's groundout for a 1-0 advantage. However, the Johnnies quickly responded with two runs in the bottom of the first, including a two-RBI double by Zach Helfmann, making it 2-1 after one inning.

Saint John's expanded their lead with a three-run home run by Helfmann in the third, pushing the score to 5-1. Hamline narrowed the gap in the fifth when Alexander Hokenson scored on Burley's sacrifice fly, bringing the score to 5-2. The Pipers continued to fight back, with Johnson leading off the sixth inning with a double, eventually scoring on a ground-rule double by Caden Erickson, making it 5-4. However, the Johnnies added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth, including a solo home run from Blake Mellgren, securing the 7-4 victory.

Burley showcased his skills with one hit, one run, and one RBI, plus a stolen base. Johnson contributed a double, a run, and an RBI, while Erickson added a double and a run scored. On the mound, Parker Leipzig pitched 1 2/3 innings with two earned runs, and Bentley Casey provided solid relief with 2 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit and one earned run.

Saint John's 12, Hamline 11 (Game Two)

The second game saw Hamline begin strong with a six-run third inning, highlighted by Tyler Johnson's three-run homer. Following that, Grant Peltier hit a grand slam in a five-run fourth inning, extending Hamline's lead to 11-3. However, Saint John's rallied back, scoring two runs in the seventh and five in the eighth, ultimately clinching a 12-11 victory with one more run in the ninth.

Johnson again led the Pipers, achieving two runs, two hits, and three RBIs, while Peltier contributed significantly with three hits, two runs, and five RBIs, including a home run. Caden Erickson excelled with three hits and two runs, and Ethan Smith also had three hits with one run and an RBI. The Pipers recorded a season-high 19 hits despite the loss.

On the mound, Dalton Maxwell pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs, while Carter Hoff added 1 1/3 innings of relief. For the Johnnies, Joe Becker was a standout with three runs, three hits, and four RBIs, including a home run, while Ryan Janzen contributed significantly with four hits and three runs.

The Pipers will stay on the road to take on Concordia (Minn.) (DH) tomorrow, Thursday, April 10 at 1:30 p.m.