ST. PAUL, Minn. — Hamline (12-17, 4-8) secured a 3-2 victory over Concordia-M'head (9-13, 4-5) in the first game of their doubleheader at CHS Field on Monday. A crucial eighth-inning run sealed the win, capping off a comeback after trailing early in the game. In the second game, the Pipers followed up with a decisive 7-2 victory over Concordia-M'head, tallying 11 hits and maintaining control with a four-run rally in the fourth inning.
In the first game, Concordia-M'head took an early lead in the first inning, scoring two runs. Luke Knudsen walked and advanced to second on a balk before Brayden Wolfgram singled to drive him in. Another run scored when Jack Primus reached on an error, giving Concordia-M'head a 2-0 lead after the first inning. Hamline began its comeback in the sixth inning when
Grant Peltier was hit by a pitch, and after advancing to third, he scored on a hit-by-pitch RBI by
Bentley Casey, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. The seventh inning saw the Pipers tie the game, with
Kyle Vanek scoring from third on a fielder's choice by
Stevie Schmitt after a fielding error by Concordia-M'head's second baseman. The game was tied 2-2 through seven innings. In the eighth inning, Hamline took the lead when
Bentley Casey singled and advanced on a sacrifice by
Ryan Burley.
Owen Hodson then delivered an RBI single to right center, bringing Casey home and giving Hamline a 3-2 lead. The game concluded with Hamline securing a 3-2 victory over Concordia-M'head.
Owen Hodson collected two hits and drove in one run in the first game, contributing significantly to the offense. Aleks Popovic also added two hits, providing crucial support in the lineup.
Teagan Yotter pitched six innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out three batters.
Bentley Casey contributed a hit, a run scored, and an RBI, enhancing the team's overall performance. Yotter's pitching stats included 3 hits and 2 earned runs, with 102 pitches thrown, 60 of which were strikes.
Ben McCrady provided 2 innings of relief, giving up 1 hit and delivering 13 pitches with 8 strikes.
In the second game, Hamline started strong in the first inning when
Jacob Barmore singled down the right field line, allowing
Jack Rheineck to score after reaching on an error, giving the Pipers a 1-0 lead. The Pipers added to their lead in the third inning as
Ryan Burley and
Owen Hodson both singled to get on base. A sacrifice fly by Aleks Popovic brought Burley home, while Barmore's single to left center allowed Hodson to score, making it 3-2. The Pipers extended their lead significantly in the fourth inning.
Maddex Van Slooten began with a double, followed by a single from
Stevie Schmitt.
Eli Gilbertson's groundout brought Van Slooten home, and an RBI single from Rheineck, coupled with a sacrifice fly by Barmore, brought in three more runs, putting Hamline ahead 7-2. The final score was Hamline 7, Concordia-M'head 2.
Ryan Burley scored two runs and added two hits, contributing significantly to the offense.
Owen Hodson matched Burley by also scoring two runs and collecting two hits, while adding a double and a walk to his performance.
Jack Rheineck delivered with two RBIs, securing a key hit and being hit by a pitch, while
Jacob Barmore led the team in RBIs with three, finishing the game with two hits.
Ben McCrady pitched for 1 inning, allowing 1 hit and recording 1 strikeout, with a total of 10 pitches thrown, 7 of which were strikes.
Lucas Mork also pitched for 1 inning, issuing 1 walk while throwing 21 pitches, with 12 being strikes. Both pitchers contributed to maintaining control on the mound over their respective innings.
