The Lakeland baseball team traveled to Piqua, Ohio today to face the Edison State Chargers in OCCAC action. After a long trip, the Lakers earned a split dropping game 1 late, 9-8, before winning game 2 by a score of 4-2.  In game 1, Jose Fichera got things going with a 1-out single in the 2nd inning.  Ray Cowen later hit a 2-out single and both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch before Brayden Fellouzis knocked them both in with a single. The Chargers would answer with a run in the home half before the Lakers widened the lead to 6-1 with a 4-run 3rd inning. Alarik Sierra hit a lead off single before Seth Cervello was hit by a pitch. Rafael Nakandakari hit a fielder's choice as Sierra got out at 3rd base. Jose Fichera followed with an RBI-single. Estevan Ruiz then singled to load the bases before Ray Cowen worked an RBI walk. Brayden Fellouzis then hit a ball that was mishandled by the Chargers allowing 2 more runs to score. The Chargers answered back and scored 4 runs of their own in the home half to cut the deficit to 6-5. Edison State would score single runs in the 4th and 5th innings to take a 7-6 lead that held until the top of the 7th inning. The Lakers battle back in the 7th when Connor Wilt hit a 1-out double. Fichera was then intentionally walked to put the Lakers in a double play situation with the Chargers hoping to end the game. However, Estevan Ruiz was hit by a pitch and suddenly the Lakers were in business as the bases were loaded with one out. The next batter popped out and it came down to Brayden Fellouzis up to bat with 2 outs, bases loaded, and the Lakers trailing by a run. Fellouzis delivered a go ahead 2-RBI single for the Lakers. Unfortunately, the Lakers were unable to tack on any more runs but held an 8-7 lead needing 3 outs for the win. Credit the Chargers as they got a 1-out walk off hit to hand the Lakers the loss.

Jose Fichera went 3-3 (2B) with an RBI while Brayden Fellouzis collected a pair of hits and 3 RBI's. Ray Cowen finished with a hit and RBI while Estevan Ruiz, Alarik Sierra, and Connor Wilt (2B) each picked up hits for the Lakers. Jackson Smith started and took a no-decision as he went 4 innings and allowed 5 hits, 6 runs (2 earned), while striking out 4 batters. Lucas Nichols relieved and took the loss pitching 2.1 innings allowing 3 earned runs on 6 hits while striking out 3 batters.

In game 2, Lakeland jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 3rd inning. The run scored when Alarik Sierra reached on an error by the Chargers outfield. Sierra would later score on a wild pitch. The Chargers would take advantage of a passed ball and a balk to tie the score in the home half of the inning. In the top of the 5th inning, Lakeland would score 3 more runs to take a 4-1 lead. Estevan Ruiz and Ray Cowen both walked before Jhonuel Dimas hit an RBI-single. Julien Bourgeois would walk before Cowen scored on an RBI-single from Sierra. Seth Cervello followed with a sac fly to knock in the Lakers final run of the day. The Chargers would answer in the home half of the 5th inning as they took advantage of a passed ball and another balk. The Lakers were able to shut the door though and then finished strong for the 4-2 victory. 

Lakeland made their hits stand up as they had just 4 in game 2. Jhonuel Dimas and Alarik Sierra both had a hit and RBI while Ibrahim Marrero and Rafael Nakandakari (2B) each collected hits in the Lakers win. Seena Amani got the win for the Lakers as he pitched 5 innings and allowed 2 unearned runs on 2 hits while striking out 6 batters. Logan Metz relieved and earned the save pitching 2 innings and striking out 2 batters.

Next Up:  The Lakers are scheduled to host the Terra State Titans on Tuesday (4/16) on Laker Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 pm.