The Lakeland baseball team traveled to League Park today to play the Bryant & Stratton Bobcats in OCCAC action. It was a tough day for the Lakers as they dropped both ends of the doubleheader by the scores of 7-2 and 9-1. In game 1, the Lakers would take a 1-0 lead in the top of the 2nd inning. Rafael Nakandakari started the inning with a one-out single. Connor Wilt followed with a walk before Brayden Fellouzis was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Nakandakari would then score on a fielder's choice from Ray Cowen. The Bobcats answered right back in the bottom of the 2nd inning before taking a 7-1 lead after 4 innings. Lakeland left 4 runners on base over the next two innings before pushing a run across in the 5th inning. Seth Cervello hit a leadoff single and advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Cervello advanced to 3rd base on an infield error before scoring on a sac fly from Nakandakari. The Lakers would leave 4 more runners on base the rest of the game as the key hit escaped them.
Lucas Nichols started and pitched 4 innings allowing 7 runs (4 earned) while striking out 4 batters. Zach Sullivan relieved and pitched 2 scoreless innings. Rafael Nakandakari collected 2 hits and an RBI while Seth Cervello, Brayden Fellouzis, Andhris Martinez, Estevan Ruiz, and Alarik Sierra each added hits for the Lakers.
Game 2 got away from the Lakers early as they fell into a 6-0 hole after 2 innings. Unfortunately, they were never able get the offense going and scored their lone run in the 5th inning. Lakeland managed just 3 hits in the nightcap as Alarik Sierra collected 2 singles and Rafael Nakandakari added a hit. Logan Metz took the loss as he surrendered 3 earned runs on 4 hits. Jhonuel Dimas relived and pitched 3.1 innings allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits. Julien Bourgeois finished the game by pitching 2 innings and allowing 1 earned run while striking out 2 batters.
Next Up: The Lakers will face off against the Bryant & Stratton Bobcats again tomorrow at Laker Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm.