CANTON, Ohio – The West Liberty University baseball team showed fight in the opener but ultimately dropped both ends of a doubleheader to Malone University on Friday at Thurman Munson Stadium. The Hilltoppers fell 8-6 in Game One before dropping the second, 12-4.
West Liberty moves to 0-6 on the season, while Malone improves to 6-0.
Game One: Malone 8, West Liberty 6
After being held scoreless through five innings, the Hilltoppers erupted for six runs in the top of the sixth to briefly seize momentum.
Trailing 5-0, West Liberty capitalized on defensive miscues to begin the rally. Austin Wittreich reached on a fielder's choice as Hunter White scored, and Luke Marsh was hit by a pitch to drive in another run. Brodee Latocha followed with a bases-loaded walk before Giacomo Dolce delivered the big swing — a three-run double down the left-field line — giving WLU a 6-5 advantage.
Malone responded immediately in the bottom half. The Pioneers plated three runs in the sixth to regain control, highlighted by RBI singles from S. Coblentz and J. Barker, and held the Hilltoppers scoreless in the seventh to secure the win.
Dolce finished 1-for-4 with three RBIs, while Marsh drove in a run and was hit by a pitch. Foley and Wittreich each scored during the sixth-inning surge.
Colby Conn (0-2) took the loss after working 5.2 innings, allowing eight runs on seven hits while striking out four.
Game Two: Malone 12, West Liberty 4
West Liberty struck first in the second game, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning.
Aaron Flowers drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in the opening run, and Evan Tice followed with a two-run single through the right side to put the Hilltoppers ahead 3-0.
Malone answered quickly. The Pioneers scored twice in the bottom of the first before taking control with three runs in the second and two more in the third, including a two-run home run by Colin Coblentz that made it 7-3.
A five-run sixth inning put the game out of reach for the hosts.
Tice led the Hilltoppers offensively in Game Two, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a double. Flowers added two hits and an RBI, while West Liberty worked six walks and was hit by three pitches.
Seth Cover (0-1) took the loss, allowing seven runs (five earned) over 2.2 innings. Rocco Serafino and Charles Thomas combined to finish the final 3.1 innings in relief.
Up Next
West Liberty and the Pioneers will meet again for a doubleheader Saturday at Noon and 2:30 p.m.
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.
