Indiana, Pa. West Liberty stormed back from an early deficit to defeat Indiana (Pa.) 15-9 on Tuesday, powered by a game-changing fifth inning in which they plated nine runs.

IUP jumped out to an early lead in the first inning taking a 3-0 advantage.

West Liberty responded in the third when Ryan Talbert doubled to center field to bring in Jacob Sherman, followed by a William Glick RBI double that made it a one-run game. The Hilltoppers tied things up in the fourth when Connor Huzicka scored on a passed ball, and Kameron Jackson put them ahead with an RBI single to center.

The floodgates opened in the fifth as West Liberty sent nine runners across the plate. Glick and Noah Mildren worked walks to drive in runs, while Talbert doubled through the left side to bring in two more. Glick followed with another two-run double, and Will Balgo, Huzicka, and Jackson each added RBIs to cap off the explosive frame, giving the Hilltoppers a commanding 13-3 lead.

Jackson added a solo home run in the sixth, and Talbert tacked on another RBI single in the eighth. IUP made a late push in the eighth inning, scoring four runs, but West Liberty's pitching staff held on to seal the victory.

Talbert led the offensive charge with a 4-for-6 performance, tallying four RBIs and two doubles. Glick added three hits and three RBIs, while Jackson finished with two hits, including a home run, and two RBIs. Tanner Pelaez earned the win, working three innings and allowing only one run.

With the win, West Liberty improves to 11-9 on the season, they host Davis & Elkins in their home opener Saturday starting at 1 p.m.