ERIE — With Ryan Siegel, consistency is the name of the game.

The Freeport graduate and Mercyhurst University senior center fielder is on his way to hitting over .300 for the third time in four years with the Lakers.

His career collegiate batting average entering play this weekend is .333 — 168 hits in 503 at bats. He's stolen 41 bases in 46 career attempts, being caught only once in the past three years.

Add to that near flawless play defensively, two PSAC all-star selections and the league's Rookie of the Year award in 2012.

“All that's left for Ryan to do now is fine-tune his game,” Mercyhurst coach Joe Spano said. “And that's what he's been doing.

“He's getting better jumps off first base. He's reading pitchers better. He's driving the ball more.”

Siegel is hitting second in the Lakers' lineup this season. He led the team with 15 stolen bases and 12 sacrifice bunts a year ago.

“It's a team game and we're about winning,” Siegel said. “The PSAC is one of the top two Division II baseball leagues in the country.

“Look at any Top 25 list and you'll see four or five teams from our league scattered in there. To win in a league this strong, you have to play the game right.”

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Siegel spent this past offseason working on his physical strength more than baseball skills.

“I've got five years of collegiate baseball under my belt now,” Siegel said. “Now I want to drive the ball more this year, develop a little more power.”

He's been a key cog in the Lakers getting off to a 15-1 start this season. Siegel has been setting the table for a deep lineup. His .320 batting average is only seventh best on the team.

“Ryan Siegel has simply been an outstanding player for us for four years,” Spano said. “His work ethic makes him a great leader, too.

“I'm hoping he gets a chance to play at the next level. He truly deserves it.”

Siegel is hopeful of that opportunity as well. He attended Coastal Carolina for a year before transferring to Mercyhurst. The end of his stellar freshman season with the Lakers was cut short by a broken hand.

“I'm hoping my name comes up in the draft this year,” Siegel said. “I've dreamed of playing pro ball for a long time. But right now, I'm thinking about this season, winning our league and going deep into postseason.”

If he isn't drafted, Siegel wouldn't rule out playing in an independent minor league once he graduates.

He is majoring in computer science as a software programmer.

“I don't want to close any doors,” he said.

Doors will likely open up for him even if professional baseball doesn't.

“I'm a web designer right now,” he enthused.

Coaching isn't something Siegel wants to consider — at least not in the near future.

“If baseball kicks me out before I'm ready, I'm going to be bitter about it,” he said. “I'm not going to want to pursue anything else in the sport.

“In time, that would all probably change. I'd forgive and go back. I love the game too much.”