ERIE — The Eisenhower softball team has had a tough time getting games in this season due to rain cancellations, but the Knights traveled to face Mercyhurst Prep for a rare weekday doubleheader and they were more than ready as they exploded for 21-1 and 20-17 wins.

In the first game, Eisenhower opened up a 9-1 lead after two innings before exploding for 12 runs in the third to put the game out of reach.

Kendra Danielson belted a three-run inside-the-park home run in the third inning, and had two singles and two more RBIs to lead the Knights’ 16-hit attack.

Nakita Nelson was 2 for 3 with a home run and had four RBIs; Alexis Pascuzzi went 3 for 4, including a triple and a home run, and drove in three runs; and Riley Gafner went 3 for 4 and drove in three runs.

Abbie Darr went the distance in the circle for Eisenhower, surrendering three hits and collecting five strikeouts. She didn’t issue a walk.

In the nightcap, the Knights took a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the first inning and did the most damage in the second inning when they added eight runs on four hits to take a 14-5 lead.

Nelson, Gafner and Danielson each had two hits for the winners and Tracey Jakubczak drove in a pair of runs. Eisenhower also took advantage of 16 walks, stole 12 bases, turned a double play and did not commit an error.

Gafner surrendered two hits and gave up five runs, struck out four and walked seven batters in her two innings in the circle. Darr came on in relief and gave up five hits and nine runs. She had six strikeouts and walked 12.

Eisenhower is back in action today when it hosts Iroquois at Werner Park for Senior Night.