Fastpitch softball uses big inning to gain split

The Pipers (9-15, 3-9 in the MIAC) broke out of a slump at the plate with seven hits in the inning off Carleton starter Mariko Long (5-7).

Six different Pipers had RBIs in the inning. First-year first baseman Kristina Hedberg capped the inning with a two-run single.

Sophomore Lindsey Lingl had three of the Pipers' 11 hits in the contest. Jourdan Ulrich and Katie Prasek each added a pair of hits.

First-year Theresa Boleen (9-15) limited the Knights (9-15, 3-7) to just three hits in the victory. She struck out four and walked none. Long took the loss, striking out zero and walking one in one inning of work.

Shortstop Kari Christianson scored the Knights only run on a solo shot in the fourth inning.

In game one, the Knights capitalized on four Hamline fielding errors to win 4-3. Carleton jumped out to a 3-0 lead after scoring singles runs in the first, third, and fourth innings.

Hamline cut the lead to 3-1 on Sarah Dittberner's second home run of the season in the fourth inning. The Pipers would add a run in the fifth when Grace Weinreich stole second and third and scored on a Knight error.

The Knights would plate a much needed insurance run in the seventh when Jamie Lykken stole third and scored on an error. Carleton's Lykken and Hamline's Weinreich each stole three bases in the game.

Hamline would score a run in the bottom of the seventh inning on Rachael Young's RBI double, but the Pipers could not tie the score. Young finished the game 3-for-3.

Caitlyn Cornell pitched six innings to earn the win for Carleton. Boleen struck out seven and walked six while allowing only four hits in a losing effort.

The Pipers will host Gustavus Tuesday afternoon at Helen Meredith Field. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.