WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University baseball team opened both its home schedule and Mountain East Conference play in impressive fashion Saturday, sweeping a doubleheader from West Virginia State at Kovalick Field. The Hilltoppers shut out the Yellow Jackets 8-0 in the opener before rallying for a 9-5 victory in game two.
With the sweep, West Liberty improves to 3-8 overall and 2-0 in the MEC, while West Virginia State falls to 5-11 on the season.
Game 1 – West Liberty 8, West Virginia State 0
The Hilltoppers jumped on the Yellow Jackets early and never looked back in the opener.
Luke Foley provided the big swing in the first inning, launching a three-run home run that plated Evan Tice and Luke Marsh to give West Liberty an early 3-0 lead.
West Liberty continued to build its advantage in the second inning. Giacomo Dolce delivered a two-run single to score Seth Cover and Austin Wittreich, and Hunter White followed with an RBI double to stretch the lead to 6-0.
The Hilltoppers added two more runs in the third inning, including an RBI walk from Brodee Latocha, pushing the margin to 8-0.
On the mound, John Thompson turned in a dominant start, tossing six shutout innings while allowing just two hits, striking out five, and walking three to earn the win. Andrew Benchich closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning.
West Liberty finished with eight hits, highlighted by Wittreich's two-hit performance, while Foley and Dolce each drove in multiple runs.
Game 2 – West Liberty 9, West Virginia State 5
The Hilltoppers had to rally in the nightcap after West Virginia State struck first with a four-run opening inning, including a two-run double from Garrett Wagoner and a two-run home run by Ethan Spolarich.
West Liberty answered in a big way in the second inning, erupting for eight runs to seize control of the game.
The rally began with an RBI walk from Brodee Latocha before Giacomo Dolce and Luke Marsh each delivered RBI singles. The inning's biggest moment came when Hunter White blasted a three-run home run, giving the Hilltoppers a 7-4 lead.
West Liberty tacked on another run later in the inning and added an insurance run in the fifth when Latocha scored on a wild pitch to make it 9-4.
Colby Conn earned the win after pitching five innings, striking out eight, while Wyatt McClintock closed the game with two innings of relief.
Offensively, the Hilltoppers recorded nine hits, with Aaron Flowers leading the way with two hits and two runs scored. Latocha reached base three times and drove in two runs, while White finished with four RBIs on his home run.
Up Next
West Liberty will continue Mountain East Conference play Sunday when the Hilltoppers host Charleston in another doubleheader at Kovalick Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m., with game two set for 4 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.
