Erie, Pa.  - Mercyhurst Baseball opened up their season Wednesday afternoon against D'Youville at home, playing on their own field in February in game number one for the first time this century. The Lakers kept things close down the stretch and used a strong two-run seventh inning to get the win by a final of 5-2.

How it Happened

Mercyhurst fired the opening salvo in the bottom of the second after going down one, two, three in the opening frame. It was newcomer Vincent Stutz who got Mercyhurst on the board for the first time this season with a home run over the right field wall, making it 1-0.

D'Youville had an answer for the Lakers, tying things up 1-1 in the top of the third. The Saints then claimed their only lead of the game in the top of the fifth inning as they pulled ahead 2-1. The Lakers had a rebuttal in the bottom side of the same frame as Mercyhurst managed to tie the game thanks to a single from Ryan Hill.

The Lakers then reclaimed the lead in the seventh inning as it was another home run that helped them move out in front. This time around, it was Mitchell Grosch who sent one over the wall with Michael Ferl also scoring on the long ball to make it a 4-2 game.

Mercyhurst then added one more to their tally in the bottom of the eighth off of a double from John Susnik as the Lakers ended taking, and retaining, a three-run lead in the end.

Highlights

Matt Christopher led the team in hits with two while six players collected one apiece. There were four extra-base hits in the game with the pair of homers and two doubles, one by Susnik and the other by Jayden Walker. Jarrett Heilman started the game on the mound and pitched three innings while striking out two. He was followed by Daniel Thomas who pitched five innings, giving up one hit and fanning six, earning the win.

Next Game

Mercyhurst does not see the diamond again until Friday, February 24th, when they play against Millersville in the Glenville State Tournament with first pitch set for 2:00 p.m.