Norfolk, Va.- Mercyhurst saw their four-game NEC winning streak come to an end on Saturday afternoon after they fell 12-7 to Norfolk State. The Lakers took a quick 2-0 lead, but Norfolk State had a four run bottom of the first that helped them avoid getting swept for the 10
th time this season. The Lakers will now look to finish .500 in conference play in their first season in the NEC.
How it Happened:
Jayden Walker continued his strong season in the first inning after he hit in his 33
rd RBI of the season with a single to get scoring started. The Lakers also added a run on a balk that saw
Eric Chorba cross the plate. But Robert Beatty and Emmett Jefferson helped give Norfolk the lead in their first time at the plate. Jefferson hit a three-run homer off of
Daniel Thomas to make it 4-2 heading into the second inning.
Jack Malec finally got Mercyhurst back on the board with his first home run of the season. But the Spartans extended their lead back to three after Justin Journette hit a three run homer in fifth inning. Walker answered just a half inning later with a solo shot of his own. It was his 11
th home run of the year. Norfolk State had a four run sixth inning, however. They recorded five hits off of
Ben Berdine who came in to replace Thomas. Berdine was able to record just two outs before being pulled. In the seventh, the Lakers got two free runs after
Ranciel Ventura was hit by a pitch and Malec walked in a run. But the Spartans were able to strike out
Ethan Adams to get out of a bases loaded jam. Mercyhurst got just one more run on the board, which came in the form of a
Chris Juchno home run, before the Spartans closed things out for their third win of the season.
Next Game:
The Lakers will finish up their time on the road with a Tuesday afternoon matchup against Canisius in Buffalo. They'll then return home for their final home series of the year.
