KENT, Ohio — Mercyhurst fell to Kent State with a final score of 13–2 on Wednesday at Schoonover Stadium. Kent State powered through the game with three home runs, securing their decisive victory.
Kent State scored first in the bottom of the first inning when a single through the left side brought home a runner, who had previously stolen third. The score was 1–0 after the first inning.
In the second inning, Kent State extended its lead with a three-run home run. The inning ended with Kent State ahead 4–0.
Kent State added four more runs in the third inning with two solo home runs, and a two-run home run. By the end of the third, the score was 8–0 in favor of Kent State.
The Lakers got on the board in the fourth inning. After
Mike Samarin singled and advanced on a walk to
Ranciel Ventura, Samarin scored on a wild pitch. However, Kent State responded with five runs in the bottom of the fourth, capitalizing on a combination of errors and walks. The inning concluded with Kent State leading 13–1.
The fifth and sixth innings were quiet, with no runs scored by either team. The Lakers managed to add one more run in the seventh inning when
Darek Staudt scored on a wild pitch after reaching base on an error earlier in the inning. Kent State closed out the game without further scoring, securing a 13–2 victory over the Lakers.
Mercyhurst's pitching staff had a challenging game against Kent State.
Mitch Harder started on the mound, pitching one inning, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out two of the 17 pitches thrown, 15 of which were strikes.
Zac Evenson followed, allowing three earned runs and a home run in his one inning.
Noah Ehlers also pitched one inning, surrendering four earned runs on four hits, including two home runs.
Cody Smith, in his brief 0.1 inning appearance, walked three batters and allowed five earned runs.
Ryan Okopal pitched 0.2 inning with one strikeout and one walk, while
Anthony Krause and
Heath Betza each threw a scoreless inning, with Krause striking out two and Betza requiring just five pitches to retire the side.
Mike Samarin recorded two hits and scored one run.
Darek Staudt also crossed the plate once.
Luke Babcock contributed with a hit and was hit by a pitch. Harder pitched one inning, striking out two batters while allowing one earned run.
Looking ahead, Mercyhurst will host FDU at 3 p.m. Friday, April 24 at Mercyhurst Baseball Field in Erie, Pennsylvania.
