Erie, PA—After having a COVID-19 shorten season the Mercyhurst Baseball Team is once again atop the PSAC West Division preseason poll.
The Lakers finished the 2020 season after playing just eight games and having a record of 5-3. Mercyhurst finished the 2019 season in Carry, North Carolina where they made the DII College World Series with a record of 36-16. The PSAC West Division will consist of Seton Hill, Cal U, Gannon, Slippery Rock, Pitt-Johnstown, IUP, and Clarion this season.
The Lakers will return 38 players from a season ago, while adding 20 freshman and 7 transfer students. Returning for senior season will be first basemen Josh Surowiec who had a team high .452 batting average in the 2020 season. Luke Baranchak will also return who hit .424 while hitting two homeruns a season ago. Senior Dominic Cecere will be back as well, Cecere played in all eight games last season while appearing 50 games in the 2019 season.
On the mound, senior Adam Jeannette returns, Jeannette posted a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings pitched. Michael McDonough also returns for his senior season; he posted a 1.42 WHIP while pitching a team high 12 innings as a junior. Overall a season ago the Laker pitching staff held opposing hitters to a .239 batting average while striking out 88 batters.
Joe Spano will enter his 22nd as the Lakers Head Coach, Spano has a career record of 654-383-3 overall and a 341-197-1 record in conference play.
The 2021 schedule has not been released yet, however fans are encouraged to follow @HurstBaseball on Twitter and hurstathletics.com for the latest updates!
