Bethany Lutheran College Athletics

MANKATO, Minn. - Jayden Kopp's sharply-hit single down the left field line in the 10th inning Wednesday plated the winning run in walk off fashion as the Vikings beat Hamline 2-1. Bethany (26-5) extends its winning streak to 12, which ties a program record set in 2009 and 2018. 

Both starting pitchers were dialed in, each tossing seven shutout innings. In a career-long outing, Nate Hoffman allowed just two hits with a career-high eight strikeouts against 26 batters. 

The game remained scoreless until the ninth when the Pipers scored the first run following a two-out triple and an infield single. Bethany responded in the bottom half to send the game to extras. Seth Jones hit a leadoff single and Xavier Palmer came in as a pinch runner. After a stolen base and sac bunt, Palmer scored on a single to left by Max Athmann. 

Sean Gamble sent the Pipers down in order in the 10th and Vincent Curzie gave the Vikings a big spark in the bottom half with a leadoff double. After a pinch hit sac bunt by Connor Brigger, Kopp turned on a pitch and sent it down the left field line for the game-winning hit, scoring Curzie from third. 

Gamble (2-0) earned the win after one inning of relief. Xander Meissner led the offense, batting 3-for-4 with a walk. 

Bethany now turns its attention to Friday and Saturday for its three-game home series against Northwestern. The Vikings and Eagles enter the series tied for first place in the conference with 12-3 records in the league. 
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