FLORENCE, S.C. — The West Liberty Hilltoppers baseball dropped game two of the weekend series Saturday afternoon, falling 28-5 to Francis Marion Patriots baseball at Sparrow Stadium.

West Liberty (0-2) showed resilience with a four-run rally in the sixth inning, but defensive struggles proved costly as the Hilltoppers committed six errors. Francis Marion capitalized throughout the game, piling up 19 hits, two home runs, and 25 RBIs to secure the victory.

The Patriots took control early in the second inning, using free passes and timely hitting to open the scoring. A hit-by-pitch and a walk set the table before Daniel Bussey III delivered a two-run single. A sacrifice fly followed, pushing the lead to 4-0.

West Liberty responded in the sixth with its most productive frame of the day. Seth Cover and Garrett Comer each knocked in runs with RBI singles, and Giacomo Dolce cleared the bases with a two-run double to briefly cut into the deficit. The rally was halted by a strikeout, and Francis Marion answered with additional runs in the later innings to pull away.

On the mound, John Thompson worked three innings, allowing seven earned runs while striking out two. Shea Higgins followed with 1 1/3 innings, giving up three earned runs, including two home runs. Aaron Flowers, Ciaran Flanagan, and Charles Thomas also saw action out of the bullpen as the Patriots continued to apply pressure offensively.

Offensively, Dolce led the Hilltoppers with a two-RBI double. Hunter White collected two hits, while Cover added two hits, scored a run, and drove in an RBI. Logan Cypher also crossed the plate and added a hit.

The Hilltoppers will look to rebound when the two teams close the weekend series Sunday at 1 p.m. at Sparrow Stadium.




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.