Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst Baseball played the longest game in PSAC history to round out the week with a 2-1 win over Slippery Rock Sunday afternoon. Freshman Vincent Stutz proved to be a major piece in the historic victory as he grabbed the win while hitting the walkout single to give Mercyhurst a 2-1, 20-inning, victory.

How it Happened

Mercyhurst's offense struggled to find their rhythm in the early going as they were only able to put one runner on base in the first three innings. They finally scored in the bottom of the sixth, knotting the score at 1-1 after The Rock plated one in the top of the frame. The Laker's first run was courtesy of Chris Juchno who hit a fly ball to plate Matt Christopher as the two teams found themselves tied going into the later innings.

Coach Spano's crew had to wait around for a while to get another scoring opportunity as they threatened to take the game in the 10th. Christopher got a one-out single followed by a walk by Eric Chorba with Juchno following with a free pass of his own to load the bases with two away before being turned away as the score remained 1-1 going into the 11th.

Mercyhurst's pitching helped keep them in the game with several great efforts as the game went along. The Laker's hurlers allowed just one base runner through the 12th through the 14th frames with one strikeout in that time, coming courtesy of Nicholas Merriman to end the 12th.

It wasn't until the 20th inning that Mercyhurst managed to break through and claim the long-awaited win. Vincent Stutz came in relief on the mound to begin the 20th with him sitting down the side in order. He then came up with Christoper on second after a leadoff double by the Laker shortstop with one away, looking to end the game. He was able to do so with a liner down the right field line, past the outfielder's outstretched arm to end the game with Stutz touching first base and proceeded to be mauled by his teammates, celebrating the win.

Matt Christopher led the team with three hits with one going for a double. Stutz and Juchno both had two base knocks in the game and collected one RBI apiece. Jacob Bazala pitched six innings to begin the game with him giving up one run with four strikeouts to his line. Aiden Kelly led the team in Ks with eight in 4.2 innings of work as he shone out of the bullpen. This win helps Mercyhurst move to 9-5 on the year overall and 3-0 in conference play, cementing their place in PSAC history with the longest game in conference history.

Next Game

Mercyhurst looks to round out their four-game set with The Rock later in the week after going over five hours in their one contest on Sunday.