WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - The West Liberty University baseball team is in western Ohio this week for a four-game set versus Malone University at Prasco Park this Thursday and Friday.
 
THE SCHEDULE
Thursday, Feb. 23: 12 pm & 3 pm
Friday, Feb. 24: 12 pm & 3 pm
Live coverage for each game will be available here.
 
THE HILLTOPPERS
West Liberty is back on the diamond after going 1-3 on opening weekend (Feb. 10 & 11) at Union University in Tennessee picking up the win in the finale on Sunday, 7-3. Starting pitcher Bryce Winter got the win and took a one-hitter into the fifth inning. The Hilltopper offense broke the ice in the top of the fifth plating six runs. Union answered with three runs in the bottom of the fifth, but WLU was able to strand two runners to keep the lead. The Hilltoppers added a run in the sixth off a squeeze bunt and Trevor Thomas finished the final two innings on the bump allowing just one hit and striking out two to preserve the win.
 
Jacob Sherman led the opening weekend offense with a .417 average, two doubles, and three RBI. James Salvatori hit .400 with an RBI and a double, while collecting a pair of two-hit games. Both Sherman and Salvatori drew four walks and had a .588 on base percentage. Ty Helmke went 3-for-3 in the win and hit .294 with two doubles, a triple, and three RBI. Ryan Talbert led the run production with four RBI. Sherman, Salvatori, Helmke, and Noah Mildren all scored three runs.
 
Stephen Graebe threw four scoreless innings at the end of game three, allowing just one hit. The Hilltopper pitching staff struck out 21 batters, walked 19, and plunked nine. Winter had a team-leading five strikeouts in his 4.1 inning outing resulting in the win.
 
THE OPPONENT
Malone swept West Virginia State on the road Saturday to begin its season. The Pioneers scored in the first inning both games and never trailed on opening weekend picking up a 3-2 game one win and 7-3 victory in game two.
 
Six Pioneers had a multi-hit doubleheader led by Tyson Gingerich with three knocks. Both starters went five innings and the Malone pitching staff totaled 18 strikeouts and walked just two batters over 14 innings.
 
Last season, the Pioneers went 18-32.
 
THE SERIES
Malone swept a four-game set last season (11-7, 7-5, 9-2, and 9-4) at Prasco Park. The Pioneers have won the last nine meetings versus West Liberty dating to a 7-4 Hilltopper win on February 28, 2020. Each of the last 10 meetings have been in Mason, Ohio.

WATCH INSIDE HILLTOPPER ATHLETICS WITH COACH BURKLE

 
UP NEXT
West Liberty will take on Pitt-Johnstown in a four-game set on March 4 and 5 in Cadiz, Ohio.