WASHINGTON, Pa. – After sweeping a doubleheader from California on Friday, the Vulcans returned the favor against Mercyhurst on Saturday afternoon, downing the Lakers 13-5 in the opener and 9-8 in the nightcap. 

The series split moves the Lakers overall mark to 8-10, 3-3 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division. Meanwhile, California improves to 11-9 overall, 6-2 PSAC West. 

In the opener, defending PSAC West Pitcher of the Year Nick Gillung (2-1) lasted just 1 2/3 innings as the Vulcans broke the game open with 11 runs in the bottom of the second. The Vulcans added another run in each of the next two frames for their final tally while the Lakers rallied in the later innings with one in the fourth and four runs in the fifth, but it would not be enough. 

Zimm earned the win for the Vulcans to move to 2-0 on the year, going five innings and allowing five runs, four earned. Gillung gave up eight runs, five earned, on six hits. Also seeing action on the mound for the Lakers was Russell Gardner, #T.J. Tavender#, Thurman Schaetzle, Joshua Graham and Bill Gerstenslager. 

The Lakers' offense was led by Trey Bennett and Ethan Santora, who each went 1-for-3 with two RBI. Kevin McCall added an RBI and two runs scored while Craig Denman went 2-for-4 with a run scored. 

In the nightcap, the two teams battled back-and-forth for most of the game, with the Vulcans getting on the scoreboard first when they posted two runs in their first at-bat. However, the Lakers quickly responded with four in the top of the second to take the lead. 

Cal answered with three more in the bottom of that frame before the Lakers added a run in the top of the third to knot the game at 5-5. The Vulcans then pushed across two more runs in the bottom of the third before Mercyhurst countered with its final three runs of the game in the top of the fourth. Cal completed the come-from-behind victory with two runs in the frame, and the teams would go scoreless from that point. 

Scott Knoche took the loss for the Lakers after replacing starter Adam Gray, who went three innings and gave up seven runs, four earned, on seven hits. Joe Cochran closed out the game after Knoche departed, throwing three scoreless innings. 

Justin Urschel led the Lakers with a great offensive performance, including a grand slam in the second inning. He also added two runs scored. 

Ethan Santora also blasted his team-best fifth home run of the year as he finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. 

Designated hitter Gertenslager went perfect at the plate with a 4-for-4 effort. 

The Lakers are next in action on Tuesday, March 23 when they travel to Gannon for a make-up doubleheader originally scheduled for March 13. First-pitch is set for 1 p.m.