Erie, PA-Currently sitting as the 7th ranked team in the PSAC West, the Mercyhurst Lakers enter their last 5 conference series today, hoping to crack the top 5 and reach the PSAC post season tournament. UPJ came in trailing the Lakers in the most recent standings and the Lakers were able to remain a step ahead, winning game one 12-1 and game two 8-1. The sweep brings the Laker record to 8-10 in conference.
How it Happened
Game One
Alexa North worked a scoreless 1st inning, and the Lakers loaded the bases in the bottom half of the first. The Panthers found their way out of the jam and responded with a run of their own in the top of the second to take an early lead 1-0.
Marisa Cartellone led off the 2nd with a single through the left side before stealing second. Two walks then loaded the bases as the order turned over. Kacie Irwin came up big with a 2RBI single to give Mercyhurst a 2-1 lead. Bailey Cannon added on with a 2 RBI single of her own to extend the lead to 4-1.
The Lakers were even more productive in the 3rd inning, scoring 7 runs on 8 hits, which featured RBIs from Kacie Irwin, Eliza Reynolds, Bailey Cannon, Francesa Latino, and Marisa Cartellone. The Lakers added one more in the bottom of the 4th to make the score 12-1 which held for the final score in 5 innings.
Alexa North pitched a complete game, allowing only one run and three hits.
Kacie Irwin, Eliza Reynolds, Bailey Cannon, and Marisa Cartellone each collected 2 hits apiece in the win. Each had multiple RBI's as well.
Game Two
Morgan Hilty entered the circle for the Lakers in game two and retired the Panther hitters to begin the game. The Lakers struck first in the 3rd inning as Brynna King came around to score on a Kacie Irwin double. Two more runs scored in the inning thanks to a 2RBI single off the bat of Eliza Reynolds.
Despite giving up a run in the 4th, the Lakers added three more in the home half to make the score 6-1. The inning was highlighted by Marisa Cartellone homerun and a Neena Pietropaolo double.
The stellar Laker defense kept the Panther offense in check for the remainder of the game, while the Mercyhurst offense added some insurance in the 6th as Francesca Latino sent another ball over the outfield wall to make the score 8-1, which held as the final.
The Laker bats did not cool off in game two as the team collected 10 hits. Marisa Cartellone and Francesca Latino led the offense with two hits apiece as each homered in the win.
Morgan Hilty dominated the game for the Lakers, scattering 6 hits while striking out 4.
On the day, Eliza Reynolds and Marisa Cartellone combined for 8 hits between the two games.
Up Next
The Lakers will be back in action tomorrow afternoon as they welcome IUP to town. The doubleheader is scheduled for 1:00 and 3:00 PM.
