ERIE, Pa. - The Mercyhurst softball team opened conference play this afternoon at home vs. Wagner. The Lakers started the day off hot, tallying four first-inning runs and winning game one. In this game,
Gabriella DeLuca pitched her second complete game of the season. She struck out four batters and earned her first win. The Seahawks responded with a dominant 10-1 win in game two.
Wagner (4-14, 2-2 NEC) initiated the game with two runs. This featured a two-RBI single to right field. Mercyhurst (2-12, 1-0 NEC) responded with a strong offensive performance.
Karlie Kasten started with a walk and advanced to third on an error.
Jazlynn Sanders was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. DeLuca reached on an error, allowing Kasten to score.
Mackenzie Gillis then delivered a crucial double to center field, bringing in Sanders and
Emelie Pascual.
Alexandra Acosta-Reyes reached on an error, enabling DeLuca to score. This scoring outburst gave Mercyhurst a 4-2 lead by the end of the first inning.
The rest of the game was marked by impressive pitching performances on both sides. DeLuca was great in the circle as she struck out four batters, including the final pitch of the game to earn the Laker's first NEC win of the season. Notably, MU achieved 21 putouts, well above their season average of around 16.
In game two, Wagner (5-14, 3-2 NEC) took an early lead in the first inning, scoring three runs. This began with a walk that later scored on a single. Another Seahawk added two more runs with a single to center field. Mercyhurst (2-12, 1-1 NEC) was unable to score, leaving two runners on base. The first inning concluded with Wagner leading, 3-0.
In the second inning, Wagner extended its lead with five more runs. Key plays included a two-RBI single and a three-RBI double by Lilly Banse. The Laker's defense struggled with errors, allowing unearned runs. This resulted in an 8-0 deficit at the end of the inning.
By the third inning, Mercyhurst managed to get on the scoreboard.
Braylynn Kelly singled and advanced to third on a subsequent hit by Kasten.
Bailey Cannon drove in Kelly with a sacrifice fly, making the score 9-1. However, Wagner tallied another run in the fifth inning and the Lakers could not mound a comeback. This one ended, 10-1 in five innings.
The Lakers and Seahawks will play the series finale tomorrow with a new game time of 10 a.m.
