March 29, 2008

Game One
Game Two

Erie, Pa. - Wayne State remained perfect in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play by posting a pair of shutouts against the homestanding Mercyhurst baseball team Saturday afternoon.

The last time the Lakers were held scoreless in back-to-back games was April 9, 2005 and that also came at the hands of the Warriors. Saturday, Mercyhurst managed just four hits in the two games. With the losses, the Lakers fall to 12-9 overall and 1-5 in conference play while Wayne State improves to 8-7 overall and 6-0 in the GLIAC.

It didn't take long for Wayne State to jump on top, scoring four runs in the first inning en route to a 6-0 win. However, the Lakers nearly escaped the inning with minimal damage, but a line shot off the bat off Mike Cunningham that would have been the third out was misplayed in the outfield, leading to a bases-clearing double and a four-run inning.

Wayne State starter Anthony Bass was stellar, going the full seven innings and surrendering just two hits and two walks while striking out 11 for his second win of the year. Laker starter John Mang (1-3) bounced back from a shaky first and allowed one more run through the next four innings before handing it to the bullpen. Wayne State picked up another run in the sixth off reliever Ryan Schreiber to extend the advantage.

Adam Gray and Greg Turk recorded Mercyhurst's two hits.

The nightcap was much of the same for the Laker offense, but senior starter Eric Drobotij (1-1) was up to the challenge, keeping Mercyhurst close throughout. Despite allowing just four hits and one run and working a complete game, Drobotij suffered a 1-0 defeat.

Wayne State's lone run came in the second inning on an RBI single from Brett Witczak. Warrior starter Dane Little carried a no hitter through 5.1 innings, but it was broken up when senior Dan Bertolini doubled. Little managed to get the next two outs, though, stranding Bertolini at second and ensuring the Wayne State win.

Bertolini's double and a Joe Luli single to start the seventh were Mercyhurst's only hits.

Mercyhurst has now been blanked three times and has scored just five runs in its six conference games. The pitching, however, has put them in position for success, having posted a 3.42 ERA and surrender just 4.6 hits per seven innings.

The conference series continues Sunday at 12 p.m.