It has been a sweet post-season for the Mercer Baseball Team, which remains undefeated after two weeks of tournament play.  Following a three-game sweep of Region 19 in early May, Mercer went on to win three more games in the double-elimination Northeast Region District Division II Tournament from May 9-12, sealing the title on May 12 with a decisive 23-12 victory over Rockland (NY) Community College.  It was the kind of ending that left no doubt who should represent the northeast in the NJCAA World Series in Millington, TN, May 24-31. Clinching its third World Series berth in eight years and the fourth in its history (1981, 1996, 2000, 2003), this is clearly the Vikings' time.  Going into the regionals with a 17-10 record, the team's record now stands at 23-10 and the Vikings have never looked better.  They blasted two three-run home runs in the final after hitting only one home run on their home field all season.

Photo by Michael Dill The Mercer Baseball Team following its first place finish in the Northeast Region Championship.  The Vikings head for Millington, TN, to participate in the NJCAA World Series.  Pictured kneeling at far right is Head Coach Randy Voorhees.

Leadoff batter in the big game was freshman outfielder Charlie Iacono, who had five straight hits and a total batting average of .607 in the series.  Then came freshman third baseman Trevor Tenaglia's three-run homer, which produced a lead the Vikings never gave up.  The second grand slam homer was by sophomore first baseman Chris Freihaut in the fourth.  And then the rout began, with the Vikings stretching their lead at one point to 16-4.  The Vikings' 23 hits came off seven Rockland pitchers.  Mercer's starting pitcher was freshman Tom Meyer; he was relieved by sophomore Joe Farina in the fifth inning.

On May 9, the opening day of the four-team tournament, the weather failed to cooperate as play was halted in the seventh inning of the Vikings' first contest with Rockland.  Play resumed on the morning of May 10, with the score 8-4 in Mercer's favor.  The Vikings went on to win the game 9-6.

The game against Alfred State (NY) on May 11 was the closest of the weekend for the Vikings, who won 4-2.  Iacono, leadoff hitter, had three hits including a 2-run single that drove in the winning runs.  Mercer left 16 men on base and wasted a bases-loaded opportunity in the first, but was able to hold on to its lead with hits by Iacono, sophomores Tom Lagler and Joe Hernandez, and superb defensive play.  Starting pitcher was freshman Adam Shaffer; relief pitcher was Mark Pienciak.  Hernandez has been at his best in the post-season, hitting 15 for 29 and lifting his season average to .449.

Randy Voorhees is having quite a first season as head coach.  He notes that the team's confidence level has really picked up in the course of the year.  "Once our players started to really believe in themselves, we started to win some big games," said Voorhees.  "We certainly picked the perfect time for our best hitting day of the season [on May 12]. Our attack was balanced, to be sure, but Charlie Iacono and Joe Hernandez were incredible!"  Voorhees also pointed to Gene Darling's outstanding defensive plays and Mark Pienciak's inspired relief pitching during the close win over Alfred State.

According to Voorhees, outstanding defense has been a hallmark of the Vikings all season.  Now with power hitters producing big results, there are no major obstacles in the way.  "We're looking forward to representing Mercer at the World Series," said Voorhees.  "I see no reason why we can't win the whole thing."

This marks the third time Coach Voorhees heads for the World Series in his history with Mercer – as a player back in 1981, as an assistant coach with then Head Coach Dave Gallagher in 2000, and as first-year head coach this season.  Assisting Voorhees this season is Kip Harrison, Fred Carella and Gary Shunk.

Go Vikings!

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