TUCSON, Ariz. — The Pipers split the first two games of their spring break trip in Tucson, winning the first game 10-7 over Carthage and then falling to Aurora 15-2 in the second game. 

GAME ONE

Hamline secured a 10-7 victory over Carthage in extra innings on Saturday at Kino Sports Complex. Hamline's offensive surge was highlighted by a three-run 10th inning that sealed the win.

Hamline's offense came alive in the fifth inning, where Ryan Burley singled and later scored on a single by Maddex Van Slooten, putting the Pipers on the board. However, Carthage responded with a significant four-run inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Michael Ossenfort, leading 4-1 after five innings.

In the sixth inning, Hamline took the lead with a four-run surge. Bentley Casey doubled to bring in two runs, followed by a two-RBI triple from Jack Rheineck, making it 5-4 in favor of the Pipers.

The seventh inning saw Hamline extending its lead to 6-4 with a sacrifice fly by Kyle Vanek, scoring pinch runner Jake Hill. Carthage answered back with two runs to tie the game at 6-6 by the end of the seventh.

Carthage took a narrow 7-6 lead in the eighth inning with a solo home run from Dawson Gutke. Hamline tied it again in the ninth with a triple by Ryan Burley that scored Owen Hodson, leveling the game at 7-7.

In the tenth inning, Hamline seized control as Jack Rheineck and Jacob Barmore each contributed RBIs, with the Pipers scoring three runs to lead 10-7. Hamline's pitching then held Carthage scoreless in the bottom half, securing the win.

Final score: Hamline 10, Carthage 7.

Ryan Burley contributed significantly with four hits, including a triple, and drove in one run while scoring twice. Rheineck added three RBIs, highlighted by a triple among his two hits. Casey recorded two RBIs and scored twice, adding a double to his hit tally. On the mound, Hans Christensen was efficient, striking out five in two innings without allowing a hit.

Teagan Yotter pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on six hits, with a notable eight strikeouts and three walks, throwing a total of 106 pitches. Ben McCrady contributed 1 2/3 innings of relief, giving up one run on two hits, striking out three batters, and walking one. Christensen closed the game with a strong performance, pitching two innings without allowing a hit, striking out five, and issuing one walk. Despite some challenges, the Hamline pitching staff combined for an impressive 16 strikeouts over the course of the game.

GAME TWO

Hamline fell to Aurora with a final score of 15-2 in a neutral-site matchup on Saturday. Despite the loss, the Pipers managed six hits, including one double and one triple, but could not contain Aurora's 15-hit offensive display.

Aurora took control early with a dominant second inning, scoring seven runs. The inning was highlighted by Zack Tarrant's three-RBI double and a series of singles that extended their lead to 7-0.

In the third inning, Hamline responded with a lone run. Owen Giesen tripled and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Stevie Schmitt, making the score 7-1.

Aurora added two more runs in the fourth inning. A wild pitch allowed Tyler Patton to score, followed by an RBI double by Matthew Washington, increasing their lead to 9-1.

Aurora's offense erupted again in the fifth, adding six runs. Joe Lukancic hit an RBI triple, followed by RBI hits from Tyler Patton and Kyle Mack, pushing the score to 15-1.

Hamline added a second run in the sixth inning. Owen Hodson reached on a fielder's choice, advanced on a Maddex Van Slooten double, and scored, bringing the score to 15-2.

The game concluded with Aurora securing a decisive 15-2 victory over the Pipers.

Maddex Van Slooten led Hamline with two hits, including a double, and added an RBI, showcasing his impact at the plate. Owen Giesen contributed a triple and scored a run, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Kaleb Corcoran made an effective pinch-hit appearance, recording one hit in his sole at-bat.

Bentley Casey started on the mound for Hamline, pitching 2 innings and allowing 7 earned runs on 7 hits with 3 walks. Dryden Seeley came in relief, pitching 1 1/3 innings, conceding 2 earned runs on 2 hits while striking out one batter. Carter Hoff took over briefly, facing 10 batters and allowing 5 earned runs on 6 hits in 2/3 of an inning. Sabastian Teague closed out the pitching efforts with 2 scoreless innings, striking out one and walking two, without allowing a hit.