Mercyhurst 9, Chowan 5

MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Mercyhurst scored four runs in the second, then added an insurance run in the fourth and sixth innings before tallying three in the seventh to take a 9-5 win at Chowan University in the final game of the Lakers opening weekend.

Four Mercyhurst (2-1) pitchers combined in the effort, with start Eric Aschley taking the win after giving up one hit and striking out five in three innings of work. Zach Leittern threw innings of relief, giving up three runs, two earned, in two innings of work. Tyler Bowditch then threw three innings of scoreless work, allowing four hits while striking out four. Rounding out the Laker hurlers was Joe Cochran, who allowed two runs, one earned, in an inning of work.

Offensively, rightfielder Shane Latshaw led the Lakers with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, driving in four runs while also scoring two. First baseman Craig Denman registered the only other multi-hit performance with a 2-for-2 effort and also scoring three runs.

Mercyhurst returns to action on Feb. 24 when the Lakers take on national power Lynn University in the first game of the Palm Beach Challenge. All told, the Lakers will face 10 opponents during the 10-day southern swing.