MADISON, N.J. — Mercyhurst (15-31, 14-18) fell to Wagner (27-22, 22-10) with a final score of 5-4 at Vincent J. and Lenda F. Naimoli Ballpark on Friday. The Lakers managed seven hits and four RBIs, while Wagner scored the winning two runs in the ninth inning.
Wagner took an early lead in the first inning, scoring two runs. First, they scored a RBI single, followed by a sacrifice fly. The score was 2-0 in favor of Wagner after one inning.
In the fifth inning, the Lakers responded.
Luke Babcock and
Mike Samarin singled to start the inning, setting up
Zac Evenson, who hit a double down the right field line, driving in both Babcock and Samarin. The score was 3-2 in favor of Wagner after five innings.
Mercyhurst tied the game in the seventh inning. Babcock reached on a single, and
Jayden Walker reached on an error, allowing Babcock to advance to third. Evenson then reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Babcock. The score was tied 3-3 after seven innings.
In the ninth inning, the Lakers briefly took the lead.
Zachary Kourous singled and advanced on a hit by Babcock. After a walk to Samarin, Walker's sacrifice fly brought Kourous home, putting Mercyhurst ahead. However, Wagner answered in the bottom half. With the bases loaded, a fielder's choice allowed two runs to score, sealing a 5-4 victory for Wagner.
Nate Vargo pitched seven innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits while issuing three walks and striking out one batter. He threw a total of 115 pitches with 68 of them being strikes.
Anthony Krause came in as a reliever, pitching one inning and giving up one earned run on three hits, along with three walks and one strikeout. Krause threw 47 pitches, 25 of which were strikes, and did not factor into the decision.
Babcock posted three hits and scored twice, contributing significantly to the team's offense. Evenson drove in three runs with a crucial double. Samarin drew a walk and added a hit, crossing the plate once to aid the scoring effort.
