ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst fell to FDU with a final score of 20-6 on Friday. Despite the loss, the Lakers managed to record 12 hits, including three doubles, but could not overcome FDU's offensive surge.
FDU opened with a commanding start as they hit a grand slam in the first inning, propelling it to a 4-0 lead over the Lakers. Mercyhurst responded in the third inning with
Jayden Walker scoring on
Zachary Kourous's RBI single, narrowing the deficit to 4-1.
In the fourth inning, FDU extended its lead with a two-run homer and a three-run homer, making it 9-1. The Lakers were unable to capitalize in their half of the inning, maintaining the eight-run gap.
The seventh inning saw Mercyhurst rally as
Logan Koslin, Walker, and Kourous each crossed the plate, narrowing the score to 11-4. FDU responded with two runs in the same inning, increasing its lead to 12-4.
In the eighth, Mercyhurst added two more runs. Koslin scored on a sacrifice fly by Kourous, and Walker scored on
Ranciel Ventura's RBI single. Despite the effort, FDU's eight-run inning, highlighted by Walker's three-RBI double, sealed its victory.
Matthew Delvaux pitched 3.2 innings, allowing nine earned runs on seven hits, including three home runs, while issuing five walks and striking out five batters over 85 pitches.
Anthony Krause contributed 2.1 innings in relief, giving up one earned run and striking out one, with two walks allowed on 30 pitches.
Heath Betza threw one inning, surrendering four earned runs and striking out three, with one hit batter and one walk issued on 37 pitches.
Ryan Okopal and
Morgan Shanaman combined for one inning, each facing control issues leading to a total of five walks and six earned runs collectively.
Zachary Kourous led the team with three RBIs, adding two hits and a stolen base.
Ranciel Ventura collected four hits, including two doubles, and drove in two runs.
Jayden Walker crossed the plate three times, contributing a hit and drawing a walk.
Logan Koslin scored twice while notching two hits and a walk.
The Lakers have a record of 17-36 and are positioned in the NEC with a 15-16 record. FDU holds a record of 24-15 and stands second in the NEC with a 17-5 record.
Looking ahead, the Mercyhurst baseball team will face FDU at 1 p.m. ET Saturday, April 25, at Mercyhurst Baseball Field in Erie, Pennsylvania.
