ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University baseball team continued its unblemished start to the 2015 season with 13-2 and 5-4 wins over Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)-rival Clarion University Friday afternoon at the Mercyhurst field. The Lakers improved to 12-0 overall and to 4-0 in the PSAC while Clarion fell to 1-8 and 0-4 respectively.

In the opener, with Mercyhurst the "visiting team" due to unplayable conditions at Clarion, the Lakers jumped to an 8-0 lead after three innings and coasted the rest of the way. Junior designated hitter Dan Popio singled in a pair in the first before the Lakers unloaded for six in the third. Junior third baseman Brendan Cox doubled in two runs while senior Giancarlo Saia, junior Hank Morrison, sophomore Cameron Balego, and senior Angel Martinez drove in solo runs in the seven-hit frame.

Saia and Morrison hit back-to-back solo homers in the fourth, Balego hit a two-run blast in the fifth, and Saia completed the Mercyhurst scoring with another solo shot, the Lakers' fourth of the game, in the sixth.

Clarion's only damage came in the bottom of the fifth when senior Joe Holmberg knocked in a run with a single and senior Drew Pirritano plated Holmberg with a double.

Freshman Matthew Jaskolka (1-0) went five innings for Mercyhurst, allowing both Clarion runs and five hits, while striking out eight. Seniors Adam Curyto and Mike Wagner worked a scoreless inning apiece.

Clarion senior Troy Kumar (0-1) allowed eight runs (seven earned) in three innings of work.

Saia had two homers among four hits and drove in three. Balego had a pair of hits and knocked in three while Cox, Popio, and Morrison drove in two runs each.

The Golden Eagles made things a lot more interesting in the nightcap.

Clarion got on the board with a pair of runs in the last of the first on a two-run dinger from sophomore Tyler Falk. The Lakers tied the game in the top of the second when Balego doubled home both Popio and Austin Alonge and took the lead with two more in the third. Popio singled in one run and the second scored on a sacrifice fly by Alonge.

Clarion answered with a run in the bottom of the third when senior Derek Danver drove in Pirritano with an infield hit.

Mercyhurst scored what proved-to-be the winning run in the fifth on an RBI double by Saia.

Clarion crept to within a run in the last of the seventh when, with two out, senior Jordan Mesoraco walked and was promptly doubled home by Falk. But Falk was stranded at second when Danver tapped to the mound.

Popio led a seven-hit attack with a pair of singles. He also was hit by a pitch and drew an intentional walk. Balego drove in two of the Lakers' five runs.

Junior Cam Knott (2-0) worked the first 4.1 innings, gave up three runs and struck out seven. Junior Jake Hall finished and allowed Clarion's fourth run.

Sophomore Sean White (1-1) took the loss for the Golden Eagles.

The teams will play another doubleheader at the Mercyhurst field tomorrow afternoon. The Lakers will be the "home" team Saturday.