Baylor Baseball Drops Series Opener to Mercer, 11-2

WACO, Texas – Baylor Baseball (5-9) fell to Mercer (10-5), 11-2, in the series opener on Friday night at Baylor Ballpark.

The Bears ended their two-game winning streak and finished with only four hits in the loss.

In the bottom of the second, two costly errors from third baseman Hunter Teplanszky and shortstop Austin Stracener extended the inning and gave Mercer’s offense new life.

The following at-bat, first baseman Ty Dalley launched a three-run homer off of Friday’s starter and fifth-year senior Blake Helton.

Baylor Athletics

Kolby Branch hit his team-leading third home run of the season in the loss.

Mercer added two-run homers in each of the third and fifth innings.

Helton finished allowing eight runs, five of which were earned, and 10 hits in 5.1 innings pitched while striking out eight. In four starts so far this season, Helton has allowed 17 earned runs in over 19 innings of work.

Junior Brett Garcia pitched in relief of Helton and struck out six and allowed three runs in 2.2 IP.

Freshman Kolby Branch (3) and sophomore John Ceccoli (2) both added solo home runs in the loss.

Final: Mercer 11 - Baylor 2

W: Josh Harlow (4-0) L: Blake Helton (0-2)

POTG: Kolby Branch 2-4, HR, 2B, RBI, BB

WHAT’S NEXT

Baylor Baseball (5-9) will continue its series against Mercer (10-5) at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Baylor Ballpark.