April 2, 2008

Box Score

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst softball team ripped three triples in a 6-3 win over Clarion Wednesday but struggled to drive home base runners in the second game as the Golden Eagles shut down the Lakers in an 8-0 game two victory. The games were the home openers for Mercyhurst in the 2008 season.

Mercyhurst used a pair of triples in the third inning and got two more hits to jump out to an early lead. Jessica McNurlen singled and stole second, and Megan Houston added a two out walk to start the rally. Michelle Schmitz followed with a triple that drove both of them in and Danielle Zubek added an RBI single. Kara Gorgos then capped the scoring with a triple to make it 4-0 after three.

The Lakers scratched out a run in the fourth when Erin Ratajczak picked up a bunt single, stole second and advanced to third on McNurlen's fly out to right. She then scored when Amber Rapose's grounder was misplayed by the Clarion third baseman.

In the fifth, Clarion came back with three runs on an RBI fielder's choice from Carlie Cook, an RBI single by Nicole Lollo and a bases loaded walk to Marissa Myers. But Brittany Strier came on in relief to pitch three hitless innings, striking out five batters, to get her third save of the season.

The Lakers' only other run came in the bottom of the fifth as Elizabeth Maier had an RBI ground out to make the final score 6-3.

Carrina Crow started the game on the mound and moved to 6-4 on the season with the win. McNurlen, Schmitz and Gorgos all went 2-for-3 and Schmitz had two RBI.

In game two, Mercyhurst was only outhit 9-6 but Clarion pitcher Caitlin Lamison got every out she needed and the Lakers walked nine Golden Eagle batters. Clarion scored three runs in the fourth, one in the sixth and four more in the seventh to seal the win. Mercyhurst had runners in scoring position with less than two outs in four different innings but was unable to drive them home. Annie Dragolich was the only Laker to have more than one hit, going 2-for-2 in the game.

Clarion moves to 2-11 on the season and Mercyhurst goes to 12-14. The Lakers play at Tiffin Thursday before returning home to host Findlay Saturday at 1 p.m. and Ashland Sunday at 1 p.m.