Baseball splits for third time on the year

Hamline (3-3) split for the third straight time at the Metrodome.

In game one, it looked like the Pipers would run away from the Mustangs (1-1) after posting six runs in the first two innings.

In the first inning, Hamline tallied two runs on a botched pick off attempt that scored shortstop Andrew Bennett from third and second baseman Dan Kaczrowski from first.

Hamline plated four more runs in the second inning - all unearned. Kaczrowski, left fielder Matt Held, and catcher James Bachmeier all had RBI hits in the inning. Held scorched a double to right center. Bachmeier later tripled to the same spot in the inning.

The Pipers pounded out nine hits in the game - four went for extra bases.

Mount Mercy climbed back into the game with a run in the fourth and four more in the fifth off Hamline starter Brian Martin (1-1). Brandon Bradley brought the Mustangs within a run with a shot over the baggy in right field.

Martin allowed five earned runs over five innings to get the win. He struck out three and walked two. Senior Kyle Foster pitched two scoreless innings to earn the save.

Kaleb Heffner gave up six runs - none earned - through five innings. He struck out five and walked three.

In game two, the Mustangs jumped on the Pipers early with two runs in the first inning. They broke the game open with five in the third highlighted by Dana Steward's grand slam off Hamline starter Dom Chenois (0-1). Derek Blaylock added a two-run blast in the fifth to seal the win.

The Pipers will play Dordt Friday morning at the Metrodome. First pitch is set for 6:45 a.m.