Late Mercer Rally Sinks Columbia Baseball in Season Opener

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Columbia baseball jumped out to an 8-1 lead through four innings, but Mercer rallied with 13 unanswered runs over the final five frames to defeat the Lions 14-8 in the season opener. The Lions totaled 14 hits and received production throughout the lineup, but Mercer's bullpen was able to limit the damage after Columbia's strong offensive start.

Why it matters

This loss marks a tough start to the season for Columbia baseball, who were unable to hold onto an early lead against a strong Mercer team. The comeback win for Mercer shows their resilience and ability to battle back from a large deficit.

The details

Columbia scored three runs in the top of the first inning and extended their lead to 8-1 in the fourth. However, Mercer ignited their comeback in the sixth with a two-run double and a three-run home run, cutting the deficit to 8-6. In the eighth inning, Mercer delivered a grand slam and two additional RBIs to score seven runs and take a 14-8 lead, which they would hold onto for the win.

• Columbia scored three runs in the top of the first inning.
• Columbia extended their lead to 8-1 in the fourth inning.
• Mercer scored six runs in the sixth inning to cut the deficit to 8-6.
• Mercer scored seven runs in the eighth inning to take a 14-8 lead.

What’s next

First pitch of the two remaining games in the series against the Bears has been changed due to impending weather. Game two will now begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, and Sunday's finale is slated to start at noon.