Hamline drops two more in California

In the first game of the day against Central, the Pipers got behind early as the Dutch put up three runs in the first inning on three hits and two Hamline errors, and then two runs on two hits and one Hamline error in the second to take a 5-0 lead.

The Pipers' bats came alive in the bottom of the third, as Hamline scored two runs. Hamline's inning started with a single from Heidi Larsen (Fy., Andover, Minn.), who advanced to second when Kellie Hoen (Jr., Cologne, Minn.) was hit by a pitch.

The two runners were moved over by a bunt from Jourdan Ulrich (Jr., Apple Valley, Minn.) that loaded the bases. With no outs, Sophie Davidson (So., St. Paul, Minn.) singled to bring home Larsen. 

Sara Mickelson (Sr., West St. Paul, Minn.) then grounded out to second base, bringing home Hoen for the second Hamline run.

Central and Hamline each scored again in the fifth inning, and then each added four more runs in the seventh, as Central scored on four hits and no Hamline errors, and the Pipers capitalized on 2 Dutch errors and two hits.

Brenna Healy (So., Mounds View, Minn.) had two RBI in the game against Central in 2-for-4 hitting.

In the second game of the day for Hamline against Tufts, the Pipers scored a lucky seven runs once again, but it still wasn't enough to bring home the win.

After a scoreless first, Tufts scored five runs in the bottom of the second on four hits, two walks and a wild pitch.

Hamline briefly took a 7-5 lead in the fifth, after scoring one run in the fourth on lead-off homerun from Davidson and six runs in the fifth.

The offensively explosive fifth inning started with a lead-off single from Ashley Olsen (Fy., Brainerd, Minn.). She advanced to second on a ground-out before Kristi Gravem (Fy., Maplewood, Minn.) walked. Davidson then loaded the bases with a bunt before Mickelson drove in Olsen on a single to right field.

The lead was cut to 5-3 when Gravem scored on a wild pitch with Hoen at the plate. Hoen drew the walk, and then Ashley Anderberg (So., Circle Pines, Minn.) reached on a fielder's choice and Michelson and Davidson scored on ensuing throw attempts and errors by Tufts, tying the score at 5-5.

Hoen broke the tie as she scored from third on a single by Erin Farley (Fy., St. Paul, Minn.), and Anderburg then scored to put the Pipers up 7-5 on a double by Andrea Hedican (Fy., St. Paul, Minn.).

Hamline's two-run advantage didn't stay on the scoreboard long, however, as Tufts scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth and added four more in the sixth for the 12-7 win.