MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - The Mercyhurst softball team returned to the diamond for their first series on the mainland since they returned from Hawaii. The Lakers played the first and second of four games vs. RMU this weekend. They led the Colonials 2-1 in the beginning of the first contest. However, a Colonial three-run homer fueled an offensive surge as they eventually run-ruled the Lakers, 11-2. In game two, the Lakers actually outhit the Colonials, 6-2.
Gabriella DeLuca pitched the entire game, recorded six strikeouts, and had zero earned runs. However, RMU was able to pull out a 2-0 victory in this one.
Robert Morris (9-6) took an early lead in the first inning with an absolute moon shot to right center. Mercyhurst (1-9) responded with a strong second inning.
Mackenzie Gillis walked and advanced to second on a well-played sacrifice bunt by
Braylynn Kelly.
Natalie Cully then stepped up to the plate and smashed a ball to center field. The ball hit the inside of the top of the fence as Cully narrowly went yard. Regardless, the hit was a double and allowed Gillis to score. Cully later scored on a single by
Karlie Kasten, giving the Lakers a 2-1 lead.
The third inning saw a significant shift as the Colonials scored nine runs. Key plays included a three-run home run and multiple RBI hits, which pushed the score to 10-2. RMU hit an additional solo home run in the fourth and the Lakers could not get past the Colonials' defense. Game one ended, 11-2 after five innings.
In game two, Robert Morris (10-6) struggled to get their bats going as well as the first game. Mercyhurst (1-10) started DeLuca in the circle, and she was not allowing any runs. The Colonials eventually scored first, but with two unearned two runs.
The Lakers created a chance to score in the third inning. Kasten singled to second, and
Emelie Pascual followed with a single through the left side. Despite advancing Kasten to third, the team could not capitalize. Kasten actually went four-for-four in this game and was six-for-seven on the day. She was left on base each time in the second game, showcasing a stubborn RMU defense.
A wild sequence occurred in the bottom of the sixth. Here, DeLuca had earned her sixth strikeout. However, the umpires realized that the Lakers did not re-enter DeLuca when
Neena Pietropaolo pinch hit for her earlier. The then went back to 3-2 and DeLuca struck out the batter again. On the pitch, the ball slipped past, the runner ran to first, then she advanced to second on an error. The official scoring put DeLuca back at 6 strikeouts as the inning came to a close. RMU was able to hold on to their shutout in the top of the seventh and won this one, 2-0.
The Lakers will take on Robert Morris again tomorrow, this time in Erie. Their home-opening series will begin at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for social media in the event of any weather delays.
