Pipers, Johnnies split in Collegeville

MIAC pitcher of the week Josh Roiger (Sr., West St. Paul, Minn.) continued to excel on the mound for the Pipers, tossing a complete game for the game two win, giving up two runs (one earned) while scattering six hits, six strikeouts, and only surrendering one walk.

After Saint John's took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, Bennett hit a triple to the gap in left center in the third to score Dan Kaczrowski (Jr., St. Anthony, Minn.) and J.D. Modrynski (Fy., Lakeville, Minn.). 

Bennett then scored himself when Smith doubled down the right field line for the 3-1 Piper advantage.

In the fifth, Smith tallied his second RBI on a single to right center, scoring Tony Rogers (Fy., Elk River, Minn.), while Bennett advanced to third on the hit. Bennett scored his second run of the game on a passed ball to make the score 5-1.

The Johnnies put up another run in that same inning, but Hamline added their sixth run in the seventh inning after Kaczrowski walked, stole second and third and then scored on a Johnnies' error.

Bennett was 1-for-2 from the plate in the second game, scoring two runs and batting in two. Smith went 2-for-4 in the win with the two RBI, while Kaczrowski was 1-for-3 with two runs scored.

The Pipers are now at 19-14, 8-6 MIAC with six conference games to play. The Johnnies are 14-15, 8-8- MIAC.

Hamline hosts Gustavus on Wednesday, April 30, at 2:30 p.m. at Midway Stadium.