SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.V. - The Mansfield University baseball team (5-10, 0-4 PSAC East) fell in a pair of one-run contests 9-8, 4-3 on the road at Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference foe Shepherd University (13-6, 2-0 PSAC East) on Saturday afternoon, March 18.

In game one, the Rams scored a run in the first to take the first lead of the game, but the Mounties responded with a four-spot in the top of the second thanks to a two-run double by Jeffrey Coakley and an additional RBI from Brittain Shander and Ryan Verbonitz to take a 4-1 lead into the third. 

However, the Rams erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the fourth to regain the lead, 9-4. 

The Mounties cut the lead to 9-7 with three runs in the top of the fifth after Zachary Shertzer drove in a pair with a double before coming around to score on a Rams' error. 

MU trimmed the deficit to one in the top of the sixth when Marcus Nales drove in Shander with a sacrifice fly, the Rams did not allow another run from there to hold on for the victory. 

Coakley and Shertzer both doubled and drove in two runs to lead the Mansfield offense. Austin Lewis (2-2) was dealt the loss on the mound for MU, allowing five runs in three innings, adding five strikeouts. 

For the Rams, Anthony Edwards and Connor Dewees combined for seven RBI to lead the offense, while starting pitcher Trevor Sharp held on for the victory in the circle, allowing seven runs (six earned), adding six strikeouts. 

In the nightcap, the Mounties again jumped out to the games first lead with two runs in the top of the first before adding an insurance run two innings later to lead 3-1 heading into the bottom of the third. 

However, the Rams plated a pair of runs in the bottom half to take their first lead of the game, 4-3. The Mounties were plagued by errors during Shepherd's rally, committing three blunders during the game. 

The Mounties had their best chance to mount the comeback in the eighth and ninth inning, but they stranded a total of five runners to allow Shepherd to escape with the victory. 

Shertzer again powered the Mounties' offense, finishing with a pair of doubles and three RBI. Ryan Scott added two hits and scored twice. 

For the Mounties, Eric Gustofson did not allow a run in three innings of work, while Ryan King was charged with the loss, allowing four runs (two earned) and striking out seven in five-complete innings. 

NEXT UP

The Mounties host Millersville University on Tuesday, March 21 at 2 p.m. at Shaute Field in PSAC East action.