The Mercyhurst Lakers baseball team finished off its second PSAC series games against Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) at Mercyhurst on Saturday, March 30.

The series was set for two games at Mercyhurst then two at IUP; however, the rain and snow forced the teams to play four games at Mercyhurst because IUP’s field was not playable.

IUP claimed a victory in game one, but the Lakers came back and took the next three against the Crimson Hawks. In game one, the Lakers were shut out by a score of 3-0. Runners were in scoring position but they could not be driven in, leaving players stranded and shut out.

The next three games had different outcomes. The Lakers won game two, 3-2, game three, 4-0, and game four, 5-4.
Dave Leisering photo: Freshman Hank Morrison scored the first homerun of the Laker’s season on Friday, April 5 against Lock Haven University.

In game three, the number two pitcher in the rotation, senior Ben Rawding, recorded his 19th consecutive win. With this win Rawding had improved his season record to 7-0 and has a 1.71 ERA.

“It’s an awesome accomplishment that I hope to continue on with,” said Rawding. “I want to thank my teammates for making it possible to win this many games and wouldn’t be possible without them.”

The key to his success starts with his determination. Before each game, Rawding does the same routine and mind preparations.

“The key for me is continuing to do the same things that made me successful in the past. Even though I have been successful, it does not mean that there is nothing for me to work on.” Rawding said.
Rawding then went on to lose his winning streak during game two against the Lock Haven University Bald Eagles on Friday, April 5.

Mercyhurst will challenge the sixth-ranked Slippery Rock University this Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13. The teams will play on the Mercyhurst baseball field on Friday, starting at 1:00 p.m.