ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst fell to LIU with a final score of 4–2 on Sunday. Despite the Lakers' early lead with two runs in the first inning, LIU secured the victory with a home run contributing to a decisive four-run performance.
Mercyhurst opened the game with a strong start, plating two runs in the first inning.
Jayden Walker singled and advanced to second, setting the stage for
Zachary Kourous to drive him in with a single to center field.
Luke Babcock followed with a double, and
Logan Koslin's sacrifice fly brought Kourous home, putting the Lakers up 2–0 after one inning.
In the fifth inning, LIU leveled the score with a two-run homer. The inning concluded with a 2–2 tie.
LIU took the lead in the seventh with a RBI-single, giving them a 3–2 advantage through seven innings.
LIU added an insurance run in the ninth with another RBI-single. Mercyhurst was unable to rally in the bottom half, falling to LIU with a final score of 4–2.
Andrew Malec pitched 6.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits, and striking out five batters while issuing three walks. He threw a total of 118 pitches, with 69 going for strikes, and gave up one home run.
Mitch Harder contributed 1.1 innings in relief, conceding one run on one hit and one walk, while recording one wild pitch.
Nolan Kirsch closed out the game, pitching one inning, allowing one hit and striking out one, throwing 18 pitches with 11 strikes.
Jayden Walker contributed with two hits, including a double, and scored a run.
Zachary Kourous recorded a hit and an RBI while crossing home plate once.
Logan Koslin added two hits, with one being a double, and drove in a run.
Mercyhurst has a record of 13-27 and 12-15 in the NEC. LIU has a record of 22-18 and 21-6 in the NEC.
In their next game, the Lakers will travel to face Pittsburgh at 6 p.m. ET Tuesday, May 5 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
