Lakers Roll to Opening Day Doubleheader Sweep

Myrtle Beach, SC. - The Lakers opened their season with an eight-game trip down south, and the journey got off to a tremendous start. Finger Lakes picked up a pair of impressive wins on the first day, defeating Muskegon CC 4–3 before erupting offensively in a 17–8 victory over Bryant & Stratton (Ohio) later in the day.

The wins also marked a milestone for the program, as they were the first victories for new head coach JT Angora. Angora took over the Lakers program this fall following the tenure of longtime head coach Sean Marren, beginning a new chapter for Finger Lakes baseball with a strong opening day performance.

Game One VS Muskegon - The Lakers' bats started slow in the opening game, but they were carried by a strong performance on the mound from Nate Power (Victor, N.Y. / Victor). The right-hander turned in an impressive outing, going four innings while allowing just one unearned run to keep the Lakers within striking distance.  

Entering the fifth inning, the Lakers' offense came alive with a huge outburst at the plate. The rally was highlighted by a game-winning two-run home run from freshman Zach Huber (Orchard Park, N.Y. / Orchard Park), which also marked the first hit of his collegiate career.

Sophomore Thomas Carter (Pittsford, N.Y. / Pittsford Sutherland) would come on in relief in the bottom of the seventh with two outs and the bases loaded, delivering under pressure by inducing a pop-up to seal the 4–3 victory for the Lakers. 

Game Two VS Bryant & Stratton (Ohio) - Game two was a complete turnaround from the opener, as the Lakers' bats came alive early and often. Sophomore utility man Markus Brehm (Wayland, N.Y. / Wayland-Cohocton) set the tone right away, leading off the game with a solo home run. In the second inning, freshman infielder Nick Prezioso (Pendleton, N.Y. / Starpoint) cleared the bases with a three-RBI triple to extend the early lead.

The offense stayed hot in the fourth inning when sophomore center fielder Brennen Russo (East Irondequoit, N.Y. / Eastridge) delivered another bases-clearing swing with a three-RBI triple of his own. The Lakers continued to pile on runs throughout the game, adding 10 more on their way to a 17–8 victory.

On the mound, freshman Evan Bishop (East Irondequoit, N.Y. / Eastridge) made the start and went three innings, allowing five earned runs. Freshman Kyle Kumkey (Clifton Springs, N.Y. / Midlakes) picked up the win after pitching two solid middle innings, while sophomore Zach Barrett (Kendall, N.Y. / Kendall) closed things out with two clean innings to finish the game.

The Lakers return to action on March 6 as they take on Delta College in a doubleheader beginning at 10 a.m.