The Muhlenberg baseball team encountered both unpleasant weather conditions and a tough day at the plate in its 7-1 loss to Haverford.
 
A dreary afternoon that featured on and off rain showers did not benefit the Mules (14-18, 4-10 CC), who were held to just one hit, a single by freshman John Serruto, through their first seven innings. The Fords (16-13-1, 7-6-1 CC) meanwhile managed five runs through four innings to jump out in front.
 
As the rain picked up in the later innings, so did the Muhlenberg bats. Sophomore Stephen Koester singled to lead off the bottom of the eighth, and two batters later, sophomore Bobby Merle (pictured above) lined a pinch-hit double into right center.  Senior John Icaza then slapped a ground ball that tipped off the pitcher's glove, deadening the ball enough to allow Icaza to reach safely and bring Koester home for his 20th RBI of the season.
 
Freshman Billy Brittingham also roped a pinch-hit double in the ninth inning, but the Mules could do no further damage off Haverford pitching.
 
Seniors Troy Elias and Ryan Banks each pitched a scoreless inning of relief and recorded a strikeout. Starter Sam Kasten struck out four Fords over six innings of work.
 
Sophomore Justin Revel recorded his first stolen base of his career as well.
 
This game began a stretch of seven games over eight days for the Mules to wrap up the regular season, with five of them being against Centennial Conference opponents.