Apr 11, 2014 By The 1 min read

The California (Pa.) baseball team dropped the first game, but salvaged a split in the nightcap in a PSAC-West doubleheader Friday at Mercyhurst.

The Lakers (11-5, 19-9) won the first game, 6-4, and the Vulcans (7-9, 19-14) were victorious in the second, 4-0.

Mercyhurst bolted out to a 6-0 lead in the first inning of the opening game.

California graduate Ben Carson’s double brought home the Vulcans’ first run in the top of the second. Matt Peters had a two-run double in the top of the sixth and Derrick Zeroski’s bases-loaded walk plated the fourth run in the top of the seventh inning.

John Orr and Peters led the offense with two hits apiece. Both of Peters’ hits were doubles.

Luke Burton (2-1) went the distance in the loss, allowing 10 hits with four walks and two strikeouts.

Jack Dennis (4-2) allowed just two hits in the second game, striking out four and walking two.

Mick Fennell, Orr and Zeroski had an RBI each in the victory. Fennell had a double, two singles and two stolen bases.