Mercyhurst 11, Chowan 3
Chowan 3, Mercyhurst 2

MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Mercyhurst College baseball team split its opening day doubleheader at Chowan University, taking the first game of the twinbill by an 11-3 count before falling in the nightcap, 3-2.

In the opener, the Lakers exploded for 15 hits, collecting five runs in the third inning, fourth in the fourth and one each in the fifth and seventh innings.

Five Lakers registered multi-hits, led by starting catcher Adam Brentlinger with a perfect 3-for-3 performance. Zak Blair, Ethan Santora, Craig Denman and Kevin McCall each posted two hits on the day, with Denman and McCall also adding two RBI. Forrest Boggs highlighted the Laker offense in the fourth inning, pounding out a 3-run homer for his only hit of the game.

Starter Nick Gillung earned the win with three innings of work, giving up just two hits while striking out seven. Also appearing on the mound for Mercyhurst was Jeremy Cressley, Nick Scheetz and Thurman Schaetzle.

In game two, Mercyhurst plated two in the fourth but gave up a run in the bottom half of the frame, followed by two more in the fifth for the game's only scoring.

Denman singled with one out, and then stole second before McCall's RBI double opened the game's offense. After another out, McCall then stole third before Brentlinger singled home McCall.

Laker starter Ben Rawding went 3 2/3 innings, giving up one earned run on four hits while striking out six. His relief, Brad Duffy, took the loss after allowing two earned runs on one hit in one inning of work. Samuel O'Neill tossed the game's final 1 1/3 innings for the Lakers.

Mercyhurst returns to the diamond for the final game of the opening series against Chowan. First pitch is set for 12 noon.