GLENVILLE, W.Va. – West Liberty used a late-game surge to claim a 6-2 victory over Glenville State in the first game of their doubleheader on Saturday afternoon.
The Hilltoppers struck first in the top of the first inning when Connor Huzicka reached on a fielder's choice, bringing Ryan Talbert home on an unearned run to take an early 1-0 lead.
Glenville State responded in the second inning tying the game at 1-1, the Pioneers took the lead in the fourth with a 2-1 advantage.
West Liberty turned the tide in the sixth inning with a key offensive rally. Huzicka came through with a clutch two-run double to right center, plating both Talbert and William Glick to put the Hilltoppers back on top, 3-2. Adam Och followed up with an RBI double of his own, scoring Huzicka and extending the lead to 4-2.
The Hilltoppers added insurance runs in the seventh inning. Glick drew a bases-loaded walk, bringing home Noah Mildren. Moments later, a failed pickoff attempt allowed Josh Sherman to score, pushing the final tally to 6-2 in favor of West Liberty.
Starting pitcher Ethan Conley delivered a strong performance for the Hilltoppers, tossing five innings while allowing two runs on six hits and striking out four. Drake Dobson came on in relief, pitching two scoreless innings and surrendering just one hit to secure the win.
Game 2
West Liberty struggled offensively in game two of its doubleheader against Glenville State, falling 4-0 as the Pioneers used a big sixth inning to secure the win.
Both teams remained scoreless through the first five innings, with starting pitchers Jacob Watson for West Liberty and Cole Grady for Glenville State controlling the game. Watson pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on just two hits while striking out five. Grady was equally effective, limiting the Hilltoppers to one hit over five scoreless innings with four strikeouts.
Glenville State broke the deadlock in the sixth inning. Lance Minson advanced to third on a wild pitch and later scored to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead. Moments later, Adam Bright delivered the game's biggest blow, launching a three-run homer to right field, bringing home Carlos DeJesus and Colby Guy to extend the lead to 4-0.
West Liberty's offense was unable to generate any momentum, finishing with just one hit— a single from Luke Marsh. The Hilltoppers travel to Concord to face the Mountain Lions in a doubleheader Sunday beginning at 1 p.m.
