Softball playoff race comes down to the wire

The Pipers (19-12-1) stand at 12-7-1 in the MIAC after the games while St. Benedict is 12-7 with a game in hand. The Pipers can clinch their third playoff appearance in four years with a sweep of Concordia on Saturday and a loss by St. Benedict in one of their final three games.

On Friday, the Pipers were held in check by Wildcat pitcher Jessica Lewandoski. The senior two-hit the Pipers in game one as St. Catherine won 7-0.

Sophomore catcher Jessi McGehee had three RBIs for the Wildcats in game one.

In game two, the Piper bats awoke, pounding out 10 hits. Sophomore first baseman Sarah Dittberner opened the third inning with her second homer of the season to tie the score at 1-1. The Pipers would add another run in the third to take a 2-1 lead.

Hamline broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth with a two-run double by right fielder Kala Ebbe. The bottom third of the order consisting of Dittberner, Betsy Kralich, and Ebbe went 6-for-12 at the plate with three runs scored and three RBIs.

But the Pipers couldn't shut the Wildcats down in the seventh as St. Catherine tied the score with a pair of bases loaded walks.

The two teams played a scoreless eighth inning before the game was called due to darkness.

The Pipers will close out the regular season Saturday at Concordia. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.