MACON, Ga. (Interstat) — The Mercer Bears erupted for 11 runs in the second inning Friday en route to a 16-4 victory over the Alcorn State Braves at Claude Smith Field.

Mercer (12-2) sent 15 batters to the plate in the decisive frame, erasing an early 4-0 deficit with six extra-base hits. Chris Katz led the Bears, going 2 for 3 with a home run, a double and three RBIs. Eli Stephens added a solo homer and two RBIs.

Garrett Lambert earned the win for Mercer, striking out nine over four innings and allowing one earned run. Alcorn State (1-11) managed eight hits but could not recover from the second-inning barrage. The Bears’ 16-hit attack included home runs from Braydon Kersey and Katz.

The teams continue their series Saturday.