ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst fell to Norfolk State 3-0 on Saturday, with both teams managing five hits each in the contest. The Lakers were held scoreless despite a defensive effort that included and five assists, while Norfolk State capitalized on three doubles to secure the win.

Norfolk State took an early lead in the second inning when they hit two doubles putting Norfolk State ahead 1-0. The score remained 1-0 through the second inning.

In the fourth inning, the Spartans drew a walk, advanced to third on a passed ball and a wild pitch, and then scored on a sacrifice fly, extending Norfolk State's lead to 2-0.

Norfolk State added another run in the fifth inning, coming off two singles to increase their lead to 3-0.

Mercyhurst found some offensive momentum in the ninth inning. Riley Ames singled and advanced to third on Zachary Kourous's single, but the inning ended with a double play and a groundout, leaving the score unchanged.

The game concluded with Norfolk St. securing a 3-0 victory over the Green and Blue.

Nate Vargo pitched eight innings for Mercyhurst, allowing three earned runs on five hits while striking out six and walking only one. He threw 105 pitches, 70 of which were strikes, and recorded a WHIP of 0.75. Zac Evenson relieved Vargo in the ninth inning, facing three batters and retiring all of them without allowing a hit or run, throwing seven pitches with six strikes. Both pitchers held Norfolk State scoreless in the final innings, maintaining a tight defense.

Zachary Kourous contributed two hits, including a double, in four at-bats, posting a 1.250 OPS. Riley Ames recorded one hit in four at-bats, maintaining an OPS of .500. Evenson hurled a clean inning in relief, needing only seven pitches to retire three batters with two flyouts and a groundout.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will face Norfolk State at 12 p.m. Sunday, March 29 at Mercyhurst Baseball Field in Erie, Pennsylvania.