GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA – Tuesday afternoon the Cairn Highlanders were back on the diamond to square off in a pivotal conference matchup with Gwynedd Mercy in game one of the two game series.  The Griffins would get the better of the Highlanders taking the single game by a final score of 8-6. 

The Highlanders bats were out in the first inning, as three straight Highlanders made their presence known on the base paths.  The highlight of the first inning came when Daniel Morales would step to the plate with Jake Allen on first.  The junior took the 1-0 offering from the Griffins' hurler, and deposited the ball to the deepest part of the park in center field. 

In the top of the second inning, the Highlanders would look to increase their lead.  Brett Marks led off the inning with another extra-base hit.  Dan Bierc, who has come into his role of designated hitter, was able to move Marks to third on his single to center field.  Marks scampered home on Andrew Philips' groundout to second.  The Highlanders extended their lead to 3-0 heading into the bottom of the second inning.

Starting pitcher, Carson Conradt, found himself in trouble for the first time in the bottom of the second.  Two Griffin players reached after getting free passes from Conradt, and the big blow came with two outs in the inning.  Justin Curtin hit a double to left center field, which allowed Gwynedd Mercy to cut into the Cairn lead 3-2.

Morales picked up his second hit in as many at bats with an infield single.  Nate Wilson was hit on the next pitch to put runners on first and second for Emilio Alvarez.  Alvarez did his job sacrificing both runners into scoring position.  Brian Amantia took the open base after being intentionally walked on four pitches.  Alejandro Fernandez singled up the middle and because of an error on the center fielder; all three runners would score on the play.  The Highlanders were comfortably ahead by a score of 6-2.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Griffins made the most out of a Cairn error plating two runs to bring the deficit back to a two run game.

Gwynedd Mercy continued to capitalize on Cairn errors and pushed another run across to make it a one run game.  With two outs in the inning, that would be end of the day for starting pitcher Carson Conradt.  Nat Ross took over on the mound and struck out the final batter of the inning.

Although the Highlanders had their opportunities to steal a conference game on the road, it would be Gwynedd Mercy that would use six Cairn errors to score six unearned runs. 

The Highlanders were led offensively by Daniel Morales who was 2-3 on the day with a homerun and two walks.  Nat Ross took the loss for Cairn as his record fell to 2-2 on the year.  Cairn will be back in action at home on Thursday as they will wrap their series with Gwynedd Mercy.