SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Despite some early nerves, Brady Rice slammed the door on a potential lead change, and the Lakers pulled away late as Mercyhurst Prep advanced to the PIAA Class 2A semifinals for the second straight year with a 14-5 win over Fort Cherry.
The Lakers took a 6-3 lead into the fifth inning. Rangers’ leadoff man Landon Trnavsky roped a 2-2 pitch back up the middle. The ball hit off Mercyhurst Prep starter Hunter Krahe’s right arm and ricocheted to Mike Manendo at second. Manendo threw to first for the out, but Krahe had to be checked by the training staff.
After a few minutes and some throws to the plate, Krahe indicated he was good to continue. Fort Cherry wasted little time taking advantage. Ben Demascal sent the first pitch he saw to the wall in right center, and Colton Temple took the next pitch over the right field wall to cut the lead to 6-5…