Game 1: Box score
SMU    1   10   1
HU      3   11   0

The Pipers scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI bunt single from Brenna Healy (Jr., Mounds View, Minn.) that scored Heidi Larsen (Jr., Andover, Minn.). However, the Cardinals responded in the next half inning to tie the game as Mallory Betzhold (Jr., Farmington, Minn.) hit an RBI single to center field to even the score at 1-1.

The score remained knotted through the remainder of the scheduled seven innings. Saint Mary’s had a single in the top of the eighth, but couldn’t take a lead.

In the bottom of the inning, Erin Farley (Jr., Saint Paul, Minn.) hit a one-out double to left center. Kara Poirier (Fy., Eau Claire, Wis.) came in to run for her, and then Heidi Larsen (Jr., Andover, Minn.) lofted a two-run walk-off homer over the left field fence for the 3-1 win.

Larsen was 3-for-4 at the plate in the opening game with two RBI and two runs scored. Healy was 2-for-3 at the plate with the RBI. Betzhold and Erin Stenseth (Fy., Eau Claire, Wis.) were each 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Cardinals.

Both pitchers threw a complete game. Jessalyn Weaver (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) earned the win for the Pipers, striking out four batters, while Betzhold took the loss.

Game 2: Box score
SMU     6    13   1
HU       4     5    1

The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead in game two, going up 5-0 in their first two at-bats. They tallied two runs on four hits in the opening inning, then put three on the board in the second inning on four hits and an error.

Hamline scored one run in the bottom of the second, but the Cardinals got it back in the fifth on a solo homerun from Angie Diercks (Sr., Red Wing, Minn.).

The Pipers then began to chip away at the Saint Mary’s lead, scoring two runs on two hits and an error in the fifth. Ashley Anderberg (Sr., Andover, Minn.) had a pinch hit BI single while Kelsey Tacheny (Jr., Saint Paul, Minn.) earned an RBI on a sacrifice fly.

In the sixth, Larsen hit a one-out solo home run over the left field fence again, but would be the final run the Pipers could score, as the Cardinals took the 6-4 win.

Betzhold helped herself earn the win on the rubber by leading the team at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI in the second game. Hanna Schmitt (Sr., Rosemount, Minn.) also went 3-for-4 at the plate, scoring a run.

Larsen was 2-for-3 with one RBI and two runs scored in the second game, finishing the day by going 5-for-7 with three RBI and four runs scored.

In the second game, Weaver threw two innings, taking the loss. Betzhold threw a complete game to get the win.

The Pipers are now 12-14, 6-6 MIAC after the split while the Cardinals are 10-18, 7-5 MIAC. Hamline will play at Augsburg on Thursday, April 22, at 4:00 p.m.