BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Starting pitcher Reid Bertram tossed 7.0 strong innings while the Gardner-Webb (3-3) offense provided just enough run support as the Runnin' Bulldogs pulled even on the year with a hard-fought 2-0 win over visiting Mercyhurst in game one of a four-game set on Friday afternoon at John Henry Moss Stadium.

Bertram picked up his first win of the season after going deep into the contest allowing only three hits while striking out six Lakers. Redshirt-senior reliever Mason Manriquez continued his stellar start to the 2025 campaign, firing the final two innings, giving up one hit while recording a pair of punchouts.

The game went scoreless over the first four innings as both starting pitchers were locked in on the mound. However, the Diamond 'Dawgs were able to break the 0-0 tie with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Sophomore left fielder Gavin Johnson started the frame with a single up the middle before coming around to score on a sacrifice fly off the bat of junior Ryan Kennell. Gardner-Webb doubled its lead after taking advantage of a defensive miscue by the Lakers as a throwing error allowed senior Lawson Knight trotted around to touch the plate.

Mercyhurst was able to threaten in the top of the ninth, bringing the go-ahead run to the plate, but Manriquez induced a ground ball double play by Jayden Walker to end the threat and the game.
The two teams will be back in action tomorrow afternoon for a twin-billing with game one scheduled to start at 12 p.m.