PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Mercyhurst fell to the Pittsburgh 27–3 at Charles L. Cost Field on Tuesday. The Lakers, now 5–17 overall and 5–7 in the NEC, managed three runs on four hits, with all their runs coming in the fifth inning. Pitt, improving to 20–7 and 5–4 in the ACC, recorded 27 runs on 24 hits, including seven home runs.
Pitt took control early with a four-run first inning, highlighted by a three-RBI double to left center. The inning concluded with Pitt leading 4–0.
In the second inning, Pitt continued to dominate, adding six more runs. They hit two two-run homers, increasing their advantage to 10–0 after two innings.
Pitt extended its lead in the third inning with a two-run home run by, making it 12–0.
The fourth inning saw Pitt's offense explode for eight runs. The Panthers hit a three-run home run, putting Pitt ahead 20–0.
The Lakers responded in the fifth inning.
Jayden Walker singled to center field, driving in two runs, followed by
Zachary Kourous's RBI single to left center. Mercyhurst reduced the deficit to 23–3.
Pitt scored four more runs in the sixth inning, capped by Joey Baran's grand slam, increasing the lead to 27–3.
The Lakers and Pitt played a scoreless seventh inning, finalizing the score at 27–3 in favor of Pitt.
Anthony Krause pitched 1.2 innings, allowing seven earned runs on four hits, including two home runs, while striking out one and walking three.
Zac Evenson started and pitched 1.2 innings, giving up six earned runs on eight hits, with two home runs and four doubles among those hits, while striking out one batter.
Noah Ehlers also contributed 1.1 innings, yielding six earned runs on seven hits, including two home runs and three doubles, with one strikeout.
Mitch Harder closed out with 1.1 innings, surrendering four earned runs on five hits, including a home run and two doubles, and recorded one strikeout.
Walker led the way for the Lakers, recording two hits and driving in two runs, including a double.
Ranciel Ventura contributed defensively with five assists at shortstop.
Derrick Holmes Jr. made an impact as a pinch hitter, collecting a hit in his only plate appearance. Kourous added a hit and an RBI, driving in a run with two outs.
The next challenge for the Lakers will be at home against New Haven. The game is set for Thursday, April 2 at 3 p.m. at Mercyhurst Baseball Field in Erie, Pennsylvania.
