FLEMINGTON, N.J. – The Caldwell College baseball team opened the 2010 season on Saturday by splitting a doubleheader with Mercyhurst College at Diamond Nation. The Cougars earned a 6-4 comeback victory in the first game, with the Lakers (5-6) winning the second game 4-3.

Trailing 4-0 in the first game heading into the bottom of the sixth, Caldwell loaded the bases and scored its first run of the game on a wild pitch. Senior outfielder Ray Keelan (Barnegat, NJ/Barnegat) walked, loading the bases again. With two outs, Mercyhurst pitcher Jeremy Cressley hit junior infielder Juan Mejia (Ocean City, NJ/St. Augustine Prep) to bring home sophomore outfielder Joe Doerrer (Middletown, NJ/Raritan) and make the score 4-2 Lakers. Senior catcher Miguel Perdomo (Teaneck, NJ/Bergen Catholic) followed with a grand slam home run, putting the Cougars ahead 6-4.

Freshman right-hander Mark Sarrao (Riverdale, NJ/Pompton Lakes) tossed 1 1/3 innings of relief to earn his first career victory. Sophomore Matt Cook (Manalapan, NJ/Manalapan) finished up the seventh for the save. Senior pitcher Buddy Riggs (Coral Springs, FL/Taravella) started and allowed seven hits and four runs, one earned, in five innings. Mercyhurst starter Nick Gillung did not allow a hit in five innings of work, as the Cougars managed to score six runs on just two hits.

In the second game, a run-scoring single from sophomore outfielder Jorge Ynoa (Bayside, NY/Bayside) in the first and a solo home run by freshman Tom Todaro (Staten Island, NY/Moore Catholic) to lead off the second put Caldwell ahead 2-0. After the Lakers scored a run in the bottom of the fourth, Caldwell responded in the top of the fifth with an RBI grounder from Keelan to remain on top 3-1. But in the bottom of the fifth, a two-run double by Craig Denman sparked a three-run inning to give Mercyhurst a 4-3 lead. The Cougars loaded the bases in the top of the sixth but were unable to tie the game.

Caldwell senior Robert Casal (Howard Beach, NY/St. Francis Prep) took the loss, allowing four runs on three hits and four walks while striking out four. Eric Aschley earned the win in relief, while Adam Gray saved the victory with a perfect seventh inning.

The Cougars and Lakers play another game on Sunday, Mar. 7, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Diamond Nation.