WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University baseball team wrapped up its opening weekend of Mountain East Conference play by splitting a doubleheader with Charleston on Sunday at Kovalick Field. The Hilltoppers rolled to a 12-1 victory in the opener before falling 9-6 in the nightcap, finishing the weekend 3-1 in MEC play after sweeping West Virginia State on Saturday.
West Liberty moves to 4-9 overall (3-1 MEC), while Charleston leaves the weekend at 5-16.
Game 1 – West Liberty 12, Charleston 1
The Hilltoppers wasted no time getting on the board, erupting for six runs in the first inning to take control early.
West Liberty collected five hits in the frame, including an RBI single by Luke Foley, a two-run single from Austin Wittreich, and an RBI hit by Bodee Latocha. Luke Marsh added another RBI single later in the inning to push the lead to 6-0.
The Hilltoppers extended the margin in the fourth inning with another offensive surge. Marsh delivered an RBI single before Hunter White launched a two-run home run to make it 10-0. Wittreich followed with another RBI single later in the inning as West Liberty pushed the lead to 11-0.
West Liberty finished the game with 13 hits, with Wittreich leading the offense with two hits and three RBIs. Marsh went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Cooper Basciano and Bodee Latocha also recorded two hits apiece.
On the mound, Seth Cover turned in a strong start, allowing just one run on two hits over six innings while striking out five to earn the win. Chandler Maurice worked a scoreless seventh inning to close out the victory.
Game 2 – Charleston 9, West Liberty 6
West Liberty jumped out to another early lead in the nightcap, scoring three runs in the first inning. Hunter White drove in the opening run with a groundout before Evan Tice followed with an RBI single. Cooper Basciano added a bases-loaded walk to give the Hilltoppers a 3-0 advantage.
Charleston slowly chipped away at the deficit, scoring in the fourth and sixth innings before West Liberty responded.Starter Mason Bille delivered a strong outing for the Hilltoppers, allowing just two runs—one earned—on two hits while striking out four over six innings on just 65 pitches. Austin Wittreich added an RBI single in the fifth, and White drove in another run with an RBI double in the sixth to give the Hilltoppers a 5-2 lead.
The Golden Eagles rallied in the seventh inning with three runs to tie the game at 5-5. Charleston then broke the game open with four runs in the ninth inning to take control.
West Liberty added a run in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI groundout by Wittreich, but the Hilltoppers were unable to complete the comeback.
White and Wittreich each finished with two RBIs, while Tice and Foley added hits for West Liberty.
The Hilltoppers visit Slippery Rock Wednesday for a nine-inning game at 3 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.
