In the opener, Kyle Lazer was lights-out, striking out 14 over six dominant innings while allowing just an unearned run. The Golden Rams built a 6-1 lead behind Jake Welsch’s leadoff homer and a three-run fourth, but Mercy made things interesting in the seventh. A three-run shot cut the lead to 6-5 before Ben Jones slammed the door, stranding the tying run on base.
The nightcap unraveled quickly. West Chester struck first, but Mercy erupted for seven first-inning runs, chasing starter Kyle Kearns after just one out. The Golden Rams chipped away, with Anthony Boccio delivering an RBI triple and two-hit performance, but the early deficit proved too much in a 10-6 loss.
West Chester now turns its attention to its home opener Wednesday against Wilmington, followed by a four-game weekend set with Queens (N.Y.).
Meanwhile, Holy Family split a doubleheader with Clarion, holding on for a 2-1 win in Game 1 before dropping the nightcap, 14-4.
Hayden Ford earned his first win at Holy Family, allowing just one earned run on two hits over 4.1 innings. Marc Garcia threw 1.2 innings of scoreless relief, while Brian Williams recorded his first career save, needing just one pitch to strand the tying run at third. Garcia reached base five times on the day, finishing 3-for-5 with two walks, three stolen bases, and a run. Christian Mote was on base in all three plate appearances in Game 1, drawing a walk and getting hit twice.
In the second game, Brian Comer, Jephson Hadson-Taylor, and Stefan Leo each went 2-for-3 with an RBI, but Clarion’s offense proved too much.
In Other Philly D-II Action
Meanwhile, Holy Family split a doubleheader with Clarion, holding on for a 2-1 win in Game 1 before dropping the nightcap, 14-4.
Hayden Ford earned his first win at Holy Family, allowing just one earned run on two hits over 4.1 innings. Marc Garcia threw 1.2 innings of scoreless relief, while Brian Williams recorded his first career save, needing just one pitch to strand the tying run at third. Garcia reached base five times on the day, finishing 3-for-5 with two walks, three stolen bases, and a run. Christian Mote was on base in all three plate appearances in Game 1, drawing a walk and getting hit twice.
In the second game, Brian Comer, Jephson Hadson-Taylor, and Stefan Leo each went 2-for-3 with an RBI, but Clarion’s offense proved too much.
In Other Philly D-II Action
Jefferson 9, Franklin Pierce 5
Jefferson 14, Franklin Pierce 2
Cedarville 6, Chestnut Hill 5
Glenville St. 15, Chestnut Hill 5
