LITTLE FALLS, N.Y. -- Mount Mercy juniors Derrick Weber and Ryan Delf are gaining some valuable experience this summer, competing for the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs of the New York Collegiate Baseball League.

Weber, a right-hander from Waterloo, Iowa, tossed five shutout innings but got a no-decision in his Diamond Dawg debut on Sunday night against the Watertown (N.Y.) Wizards. He left the game with a 2-0 lead after allowing just four hits and striking out two, but the Mohawk Valley bullpen faltered and the Wizards came back for an 8-2 win.

Weber was an NAIA honorable mention all-American and first-team all-Midwest Collegiate Conference pick as a sophomore last spring. One of only two sophomores in school history to earn all-American honors, he went 9-1 with a 2.72 earned run average in 15 appearances for the Mustangs. In 82 2/3 innings, Weber struck out 62 and walked 34.

Delf, a catcher from Blue Grass, Iowa, saw action in 21 games for Mount Mercy and finished his sophomore season with a pair of home runs and nine runs batted in.

Founded in 1978, the NYCBL gives college players who have not yet signed a professional contract the opportunity to develop their skills at a high level of play, gain experience with wood bats, and be evaluated by professional scouts. Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge, Atlanta Braves starter Tim Hudson, and Houston Astros outfielder Hunter Pence are just a few notable alums of the NYCBL.

The NYCBL is a 14-team league, split into two divisions. Mohawk Valley currently sits in fourth place in the six-team East Division of the NYCBL with an 8-10 mark through June 30. The NYCBL regular season goes from June 4-July 29, with the playoffs running from July 31-Aug. 9.