EASTLAKE, Ohio (March 31, 2009) - Lake Erie College dropped a double header with Mansfield University of Pennsylvania at Classic Park Tuesday afternoon, losing 19-4 and 4-3. The Storm put together a much better showing in the second game, outhitting its opponents, but still fell short even with a three-run home run by freshman Ryan Rua (Amherst, Ohio/Amherst) in the bottom of the seventh.

Game one saw a total of 19 substitutions, including four pitching changes on Lake Erie's side. The Mounties produced 19 runs on 22 hits, whereas the Storm recorded just six hits - two of which came from freshman lead off hitter Patrick Stantial (West Farmington, Ohio/Southington). Freshman Matt Vanni (Willowick, Ohio/Benedictine) hit his second home run of the season as a three-run shot over the left center field fence in the third inning, allowing the Storm to pull within three at 6-3.

In the second game, Lake Erie opened play with two miscues which led to two runs in the top of the first for Mansfield. The Storm held its opponents scoreless until the sixth inning when it allowed another run, followed by a one-run seventh to go down 4-0. In its final at bat, Lake Erie got two on with two outs as Rua homered to make it 4-3 before a strikeout ended the game. Freshman starting pitcher Michael Backes (Hubbard, Ohio/Hubbard) had a decent showing in five and one third innings, even striking out the side in the second inning. Of the Storm's eight hits, sophomore Dan Dowdell (North Ridgeville, Ohio/North Ridgeville) went 2-for-3 with a run.

Lake Erie (3-17) plays again at Classic Park on Thursday at 1 p.m. against Clarion University. This game was originally scheduled for Wednesday, however due to weather predictions, has been pushed back one day. The gates will open at 12:30 p.m. with an admission price of $5.