ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst fell to Akron in a tightly contested game, losing 8-7 on Tuesday. Despite a late two-run surge in the ninth inning, Mercyhurst could not overcome Akron's early lead.
In the first inning, Akron capitalized with two runs without registering a hit. They scored on an RBI hit by pitch and on a fielder's choice. The Lakers were unable to respond, ending the inning with a score of 2-0 in favor of Akron.
Akron added another run in the second inning when they scored on a throwing error. The Lakers managed a hit but left two runners on base, bringing the score to 3-0 Akron.
Mercyhurst responded in the third inning.
Logan Koslin was hit by a pitch and later scored on
Zachary Kourous' RBI single.
Riley Ames also scored on
Jayden Walker's groundout, narrowing the deficit to 5-2 after Akron added two more runs in their half-inning.
Akron extended its lead in the fourth inning with three runs, highlighted by a two-run homer. Mercyhurst left the bases loaded without scoring. The score stood at 8-2 Akron.
Mercyhurst rallied in the fifth inning.
Zachary Kourous doubled, and consecutive walks loaded the bases.
Dana Williams' walk scored a run, and
Mike Samarin was hit by a pitch to bring another runner home.
Ranciel Ventura's sacrifice fly added a third, closing the gap to 8-5.
Both teams were held scoreless through the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, with Mercyhurst unable to capitalize on a few hits and walks.
In the ninth inning,
Luke Babcock walked and scored on
Dana Williams' triple. Williams crossed the plate thanks to a fielding error, bringing Mercyhurst within one run. However, the comeback fell short, leaving the final score at 8-7 in favor of Akron.
Heath Betza pitched 2.1 innings, allowing four earned runs on two hits and three walks, while striking out none and hitting four batters.
Ryan Okopal followed with 1.2 innings, surrendering one earned run on two hits, including a home run, and striking out two batters.
Nolan Kirsch provided two innings of relief, not allowing any runs, hits, or earned runs, while issuing two walks and striking out two.
Mark Collinger contributed one inning, striking out two batters and allowing one hit and one walk without giving up any runs.
Noah Ehlers and
Mitch Harder each pitched one inning, with Ehlers allowing no hits and one walk, and Harder giving up one hit and two walks, both without conceding any runs.
Zachary Kourous recorded two hits, including a double, and drove in one run.
Dana Williams contributed with two hits, a triple, and two RBIs while also scoring a run.
Luke Babcock crossed the plate twice, drawing two walks to aid the offense.
Mike Samarin added two RBIs with a hit and a hit-by-pitch to his credit.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will take the field at 3 p.m. Friday, March 27, when it hosts Norfolk State at Mercyhurst Baseball Field in Erie, Pennsylvania.
