GRANTHAM -- Sophomore pitcher Sara Dietrich allowed just one run in seven innings and Jaclyn Merkel smashed a solo home run in Messiah College's 3-1 win over Alvernia at the Commonwealth Conference Championships.
Messiah is the number-one seed in the double-elimination tournament. The Falcons won their first game on Friday, as well; defeating Elizabethtown, 6-2.
In the bottom of the sixth, Merkel gave the Falcons a two-run lead when she blasted the ball well over the left center fence for her third home run of the season.
Dietrich (18-2) allowed seven hits, striking out one and walking none.
Messiah will face the winner of the Elizabethtown/Lebanon Valley vs. Alvernia game in Saturday's conference final.
