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West Liberty University Athletics

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BB_Seth_Cover_Francis_Marion_2026
2
West Liberty St. WLU 0-1
18
Winner Francis Marion FMU 3-1
West Liberty St. WLU
0-1
2
Final
18
Francis Marion FMU
3-1
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
West Liberty St. WLU 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 6 1
Francis Marion FMU 9 0 4 2 3 0 0 0 X 18 15 0

W: G. Long (1-0) L: Bille, Mason (0-1) S: M. Huffstick (1)

Game Recap: Baseball | | West Liberty University Sports Information

Patriots Jump Out Early, Defeat Hilltoppers 18-2

FLORENCE, S.C. — West Liberty Hilltoppers baseball dropped its season opener Friday afternoon, falling 18-2 to Francis Marion Patriots baseball at Sparrow Stadium.

Francis Marion seized control early, scoring nine runs in the opening inning to establish immediate momentum. The Patriots took advantage of walks and timely hitting, including a two-run single from Matthew Manuel and a two-RBI double by Logan Davis, to build a commanding 9-0 lead after one.

The Patriots added to their cushion in the third inning, plating four more runs.Riley Orr and Manuel each delivered run-scoring hits, while Daniel Hussey capped the frame with a two-run home run to push the lead to 13-0.

West Liberty showed resilience in the sixth inning, breaking through for its first runs of the season. Hunter White and Luke Foley reached base to set the table, and Luke Marsh's groundout brought White home. Cooper Basciano followed with a double down the right-field line to score Foley, trimming the deficit to 18-2.

Despite the late push, the early deficit proved too much to overcome as Francis Marion closed out the victory.

On the mound, Mason Bille was tagged with the loss after allowing nine earned runs in two-thirds of an inning. Seth Cover worked 2 1/3 innings in relief with three strikeouts, while Rocco Serafino added 1 2/3 innings. A bright spot for the Hilltoppers came from Andrew Benchich, who delivered a strong relief outing, tossing 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out seven.

Offensively, Basciano paced West Liberty with two hits, including a double and an RBI. White and Foley each reached base and scored a run, with White also recording a double.

The two teams will meet again Saturday at 1 p.m. at Sparrow Stadium to continue the series.





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.
 
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