Bennett powers baseball to split

Bennett went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored in the Pipers' 14-1 drubbing of Finlandia (0-2).

Hamline (1-1) jumped on the Lions for four runs in the first, including a Bennett run-scoring single, and five more in the second. Bennett launched a three-run shot to make the score 7-0.

From there, Hamline coasted to the victory, pounding out 16 hits. They did all their damage in the first five innings of the nine inning contest.

Junior Josh Roiger added three hits and two RBIs. Second baseman Dan Kaczrowski, catcher James Bachmeier, right fielder Matt Held, and designated hitter Bill Sand all connected for two hits.

Starting pitcher Kyle Foster (1-0) was the beneficiary of the run support to earn the victory. Foster went five innings, allowing one earned run on five hits. Roiger pitched four scoreless innings in relief.

In Hamline's first game of the season, Viterbo jumped out to a 7-1 lead before going on to a 9-5 win.

Bennett had two of the Pipers' nine hits in the contest. He hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 7-3.

Junior Brian Martin (0-1) took the loss, giving up five runs - four earned - over five innings.

The Pipers will play Bethany (Kan.) on Monday at the Metrodome. Game time is set for 12:15 p.m.