COLUMBUS, Ohio — West Liberty University built an early lead and matched Ohio Dominican hit-for-hit Tuesday afternoon, but a late rally by the Panthers proved decisive as the Hilltoppers fell 11–9 at Frank Damian Field.
West Liberty (1-8) jumped out in front with a strong offensive start, highlighted by a four-run third inning and a pair of home runs on the day. Ohio Dominican (4-7), however, responded with steady scoring through the middle innings before using a four-run seventh inning to take the lead for good.
The Hilltoppers struck first in the opening inning when Hunter White blasted a two-run home run to right field after a walk by Luke Marsh, giving West Liberty an early 2-0 advantage.
West Liberty added to the lead in the third inning with a four-run rally. Brodee Latocha and Giacomo Dolce opened the inning with singles before White reached to load the bases. Aaron Flowers delivered a two-RBI single and Evan Tice followed with a two-run double, pushing the Hilltopper lead to 6-3.
The Panthers chipped away before West Liberty answered again in the fourth inning as Seth Cover launched a solo home run to extend the lead to 7-6.
The Hilltoppers added another run in the fifth when Austin Wittreich grounded out to bring home Luke Foley, making it 8-6.
West Liberty pushed the margin to 9-6 in the seventh inning when Latocha singled to drive in Flowers. Ohio Dominican answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning, scoring four runs to take a 10-9 lead.
The Panthers added an unearned run in the eighth inning to close out the 11-9 victory.
White led the Hilltopper offense with three hits, including a home run and a double, while driving in two runs and scoring twice. Flowers also recorded three hits and two RBIs, while Cover added a solo home run. Tice finished with two hits and two RBIs, including his third-inning double.
On the mound, John Thompson started for West Liberty, working three innings and allowing three earned runs while striking out two. Colby Conn followed with two innings of relief before Mason Bille pitched 1⅓ innings. Andrew Benchich closed the game, striking out two over the final 1⅔ innings without allowing a hit.
West Liberty returns home this weekend to open Mountain East Conference play, hosting West Virginia State on Saturday before welcoming Charleston on Sunday at Kovalick Field.
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.
