Erie, Pa. - After taking three out of four games against UPJ this past weekend, the Lakers get back out on the diamond this week with a full slate. The team is scheduled to take on Cal (Pa.) for a four-game series with the Vulcans coming to Erie Friday, April 21st, with the two teams heading back to Cal the following day.
1. Home Field Advantage
Coach Spano's crew has proven to be a tough team to beat on their own turf so far this season as they hold a 9-2 record on the Mercyhurst Baseball Field, including a five-game win streak. Over the course of their 11 games played at home, the Lakers have found themselves in a number of tight games, outscoring opponents on average by three runs. Four of their nine wins at home have come by one run, making for some exciting finishes for the home crowd.
2. Golden Arm
Mercyhurst hurler, Jarrett Heilman, has been nearly perfect for the Lakers to this point in the season after another fantastic start this past weekend. The junior threw his third straight complete game shutout against UPJ in a game where he struck out six. In his last four starts, he has thrown 28 innings while giving up only one run and striking out 29 batters. On the season, Heilman owns a 1.34 ERA, good enough for best in the PSAC and seventh in the country, in 47 innings of work. He's proven to be one of the top arms in the nation and looks to continue his strong effort as the season begins to wind down.
3. Playoff Picture
The Lakers are 14-2 in conference play to this point in the season, good enough for second in the PSAC West. They trail only Seton Hill who has yet to lose a conference game to this point with a perfect 16-0 record. Gannon currently rounds out the top three in the PSAC West while Millersville, East Stroudsburg, and Kutztwon are atop the East. The Marauders as first with a 12-2 PSAC record while the Warriors are a game behind at 11-3 and Kutztown at 9-6.
4. Scouting Cal
The Vulcans are fourth in the PSAC to this point with a 7-9 record in the conference while boasting a 16-14 overall mark. They were able to take three out of four against IUP this past weekend with wins in each of the last three games in the series. Cal has found it tough sledding on the road to this point in the year with a 3-5 mark away from home, making Friday's contests at the Mercyhurst Baseball Field imperative for the Lakers. Santino Marra and Colby Rockacy have been the team's top hitters as they both have OPSs above .900 with Marra leading the team in doubles (10) and Rockacy in homers (5).
5. What's Next
The Lakers are slated for six games to round out the month of April as they play their final nonconference games on Tuesday, April 25th, against Notre Dame (Oh.). They then take on IUP on the road on Friday with first pitch set for 1:00 p.m. before coming back to Erie to round out the series Saturday.
