Salem, WV—The Mercyhurst Baseball team opened their 2021 season by splitting their first games of the season. Mercyhurst fell by a score of 4-2 to Wheeling in the first game and won by a score of 12-7 in the second game.

Game One vs Wheeling (L, 4-2)

The Lakers opened their 2021 season a with a 4-2 loss to Wheeling. Michael McDonough was the opening day starter for the Lakers. McDonough was able to go 2.2 innings in his season debut, he was able to strikeout six Cardinals to open the season. Mercyhurst was able to have eight hits in their opening game, leading the way with two hits was Troy Banks, Philip Ferranti, and Tyler Zaluski. Jack Elliott and Luke Baranchak were both able to drive their first runs of the year in while Elliott went 1-4 and Baranchak went 1-3 at the plate. Michael Krauza came in for McDonough and was able to strikeout four while allowing just one run in 3.1 innings of work.

Game Two vs Wheeling (W, 12-7)

Mercyhurst earned their first win of the season in convincing fashion as they got quick revenge of the Cardinals winning 12-7. Adam Jeannette started on the bump for the Lakers and was relived by Chase Stewart who was able to strikeout four while only allowing three hits in three innings as he picked up the win for the Lakers. The Lakers had an offensive explosion in the third inning as they were able to put eight across to blow the game open. Seven different Lakers accounted for hits in the win including Elliott who able to tally the first home run of the season for the Lakers. Dominic Cecere was able to drive in three runs for the Lakers while Elliott and Cole Hollins each drove in two for Mercyhurst. John Bufford Jr. and Robert Hartman were able to shut the door on Wheeling as they were able keep the Cardinals out of the run column in the final two innings and allowed just one hit.

Up Next

The Lakers will stay in Salem to take on Salem tomorrow in a doubleheader starting at 12 PM against the Tigers.