SLIPPERY ROCK — Tyler Walters is one home run away from history.

The Slippery Rock University senior belted his 44th career homer Saturday during SRU’s doubleheader split with No. 11 Mercyhurst at Critchfield Park. He is one round-tripper away from tying the PSAC record of 45, set by Shippensburg’s Jake Kennedy.

SRU (19-9, 12-4) dropped an 11-2 decision to the Lakers in the first game as Chris Anastas (4-1) took his first defeat of the season. The Rock rebounded with a 5-3 win in the nightcap behind Ryan Tapp, who allowed two hits and an unearned run in four innings for the win.

The Rock remains tied with Mercyhurst (22-6, 12-4) for first place in the PSAC West.

Abraham Mow had four hits, including a homer, in the twinbill for The Rock. He has six homers and a team-leading .370 batting average this season. Christian Porterfield had three hits, a homer and three RBI on the day. He has eight homers and a team-leading 29 RBI this year.

Joe Campagna hit his fourth homer in six games for The Rock, which travels to Bloomsburg for a non-league doubleheader Tuesday.

Softball

Brooke Dawson tossed a shutout in the first game Saturday against California (Pa.), notching the 30th win of her career and tying The Rock’s program record in that category.

SRU (17-14, 4-4) swept the Vulcans by scores of 5-0 and 6-1.

Lauren Hawley had five hits, including a home run, and four RBI on the day. Cammie Shumaker pitched four innings to get the win in the nightcap.

California slipped to 11-11 overall, 5-3 in league games with the losses.

The Rock returns to action Monday, playing a 3 p.m. game at Point Park.

Golf

Butler County Community College saw its first action of the spring season Friday, defeating CCAC Boyce and Westmoreland at The Links, Spring Church.

The Pioneers scored 330 to Westmoreland’s 358 and CCAC Boyce’s 372. A-C Valley graduate and BC3 sophomore Noah Morgan was medalist with an 80.

Michael Rozzi carded an 81, Luke Ostermeyer an 84 and Matt Benson an 85 for BC3. Freeport graduate Julia Fisher shot a 97 and won the women’s portion of the match.