ERIE, Pa. (April 15) – The California (PA) softball team was swept in a twinbill at Mercyhurst in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West action on Monday afternoon, suffering a 3-2 loss in Game 1 before falling by a 6-1 margin in Game 2.
RECORDS/SERIES
The Vulcans fall to 13-14 overall behind an 11-8 record in league play.
The Lakers improve to 12-21 this season with a 7-9 mark against divisional opponents.
Cal and Mercyhurst split the season series this spring with the home team sweeping both doubleheaders.
GAME 1
STATS
• Junior
Caleigh Rister (8-6) suffered the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk in 6.0 innings (85 pitches).
• Junior shortstop
Brianna Sersevic reached base in all three plate appearances (two singles, walk).
• Sophomore right fielder
Mikayla Linkous scored twice after reaching on a single and a walk.
ACTION
• Cal took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third when Linkous scored on a sacrifice fly.
• The Vulcans added to the lead in the fifth with an RBI single by senior second baseman Joran Pinneri before leaving the bases loaded.
• Mercyhurst responded in the bottom of the inning with a pair of doubles and two errors leading to three runs.
• Laker reliever Alexa North (4-6) was credited with the win after working 2.1 scoreless innings.
GAME 2
STATS
• Rister and junior left fielder
Carlena Fiorilli both tallied two hits, combining for four of the team's six hits.
• Senior
Alyssa Rose (4-8) was saddled with the loss after surrendering six runs (all earned) on nine hits and five walks in 4.1 innings (100 pitches).
ACTION
• Fiorilli reached on a double in the first inning and scored on a two-out double by Rose.
• Mercyhurst tied the score in the second a bases-loaded walk before scoring twice in the fourth on back-back, two-out RBI singles.
• The Lakers stretched the lead to 6-1 by scoring three runs in the fifth on four hits, one walk and one hit by pitch.
• Mercyhurst starting pitcher Morgan Hilty (6-6) earned the complete-game victory, allowing one run (earned) while scattering six hits over 7.0 innings (88 pitches).
NEXT
• The Vulcans return to action tomorrow, Tuesday, April 16, when they host IUP for a doubleheader at Lilley Field, starting at 2:30 p.m.