WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University baseball team returns to action this weekend, hosting Bluefield State University for a three-game series at Harrison Central High School's Mazeroski Field in Cadiz, Ohio.
The teams will open the series with a nine-inning game Saturday at 3 p.m., followed by a doubleheader Sunday beginning at noon.
West Liberty enters the weekend searching for its first win of the season after opening the year with three road losses at Francis Marion. The Hilltoppers scored eight runs on 21 hits in the series and showed patience at the plate with 15 walks, but were hurt by strikeouts and defensive miscues.
Hunter White and Giacomo Dolce lead the early offensive production, both hitting .300 through the opening weekend. Dolce has driven in two runs and drawn three walks, while White carries a .417 on-base percentage. Seth Cover (.667 in limited at-bats) and Luke Marsh (.286) have also provided sparks in small sample sizes.
As a team, West Liberty is batting .221 with four doubles and eight RBI through three games.
On the mound, the Hilltoppers will look for improvement after posting a 22.09 team ERA against a powerful Francis Marion lineup. Andrew Benchich delivered a bright spot out of the bullpen, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts while allowing just one hit. West Liberty will focus on limiting free passes after issuing 37 walks in the opening series.
Bluefield State enters the weekend at 1-2 overall after splitting a doubleheader at Concord. The Big Blues are hitting .247 as a team with four home runs and 19 RBI through three contests.
Angel Martinez leads the offense with a .417 average and a 1.212 OPS, while Jack Sams (.400) and Kevin Rodriguez (.300) have also contributed early power production.
On the mound, Bluefield State owns a 10.35 team ERA but limited Concord to six runs in its lone win. Jack Sams earned that victory, allowing four earned runs over 6.1 innings.
The programs have split their last two meetings in 2025, with Bluefield State earning a narrow 13-12 win before West Liberty responded with a 2-1 victory later that day.
First pitch is set for 3 p.m. Saturday, with Sunday's doubleheader beginning at noon in Cadiz, Ohio.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
