ERIE, PA – Ben Ross' grand slam, followed by Maximilian Schweiger's first career victory and Austin Mora's first career save earn Notre Dame College (16-17) an impressive 8-7 victory over Mercyhurst University (18-8) on Tuesday afternoon. The win marks the third in a row and the Falcons' eighth win in their last nine contests.
 
The scoring started with the Lakers jumping out in front during the bottom of the second inning after a Luke Jackson solo home run (1-0).
 
The Falcons would post two runs during the top of the fourth inning to grab the lead, 2-1. Nick Farrell drew a walk and Kyle Espineli was hit by a pitch to put two runners on for NDC. Next, Tyler Shadle poked a ball to the MU pitcher, resulting in a throwing error which plated both N. Farrell and Espineli, allowing the Falcons to move in front, 2-1.
 
During the home half of the fourth inning, MU's Elliot grabbed his second home run of the game, this time a three-run homer giving the Lakers a 4-2 lead.
 
In the top of the sixth inning, Notre Dame found their groove by posting six runs during the frame to double the Mercyhurst score to the tune of an 8-4 Falcon advantage. Aaron Miller got the scoring started by generating an RBI single to left field, plating Shadle who reached via fielder's choice, cutting the Laker lead in half, 4-3. Alec Mendoza, fresh off being crowned the MEC hitter of the week, drove in a run after he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, tying the game at 4-4. Ross stepped up to the plate next and deposited a grand slam over the left field fence, doubling the Falcon run total and putting NDC up, 8-4. The home run marks his team leading tenth of the season and program record holding 21^st of his career.
 
Mercyhurst would claim a run in seventh and two runs in the eighth inning, but ultimately fall short of Notre Dame after quality outings from a few Falcons. Calvin Andringa earned the start and tossed three innings, allowing one run on two hits in his return from injury. Schweiger tallied his first career win for NDC in relief by pitching 2.1 innings, while allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits, while striking out four and walking one. Mora entered the contest in the ninth inning and picked up his first career save with an inning of work, allowing zero runs on zero hits while striking out one and walking one. Notably, the Falcon hurlers held MU's Josh Surowiec to 0-for-5 from plate after he entered the contest with the nation's top batting average.  
 
Leading the way on offense for Notre Dame was N. Farrell and Shane Mittleman who recorded a pair of hits apiece. Ross paced the team in the RBI department with four, followed by A. Miller and Mendoza's one each. Ross' grand slam was joined by Mittleman's double as the lone extra-base hits for Notre Dame on the day.
 
Notre Dame College will be back in action on Friday and Saturday Apr. 15-16 for a four-game series at Fairmont State University. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m. with a doubleheader scheduled for both days.