WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University baseball team fell to Ohio Dominican, 20-8, on Wednesday afternoon at Kovalick Field in a non-conference matchup.
Ohio Dominican jumped out quickly, scoring four runs in the opening inning before adding two more in the second to take a 6-3 lead. The Panthers extended their advantage with a four-run fourth inning and continued to build momentum throughout the middle frames.
Despite the early deficit, the Hilltoppers showed fight in the first inning. Luke Foley got West Liberty on the board with an RBI double, while Aaron Flowers and Austin Wittreich each drove in runs to cut the lead to 4-3.
After falling behind 13-3, West Liberty mounted its strongest push in the sixth inning. The Hilltoppers plated five runs in the frame, highlighted by RBI hits from Wittreich, Brodee Latocha, and Giacomo Dolce. Luke Marsh delivered the big swing with a two-run double, trimming the deficit to 13-8 and bringing West Liberty back within striking distance.
Ohio Dominican responded emphatically in the seventh, erupting for seven runs to put the game out of reach and secure the 20-8 victory.
Dolce and Foley led the Hilltoppers offensively with two hits apiece, while Marsh drove in a team-high two RBIs. Wittreich also added a pair of RBIs in the effort.
On the mound, Charles Thomas took the loss for West Liberty, while multiple pitchers saw action as the Hilltoppers worked through the Panthers' lineup.
Ohio Dominican was powered by a strong offensive showing, totaling 15 hits and capitalizing on five West Liberty errors.
West Liberty will look to regroup as it returns to Mountain East Conference play this weekend. The Hilltoppers host Glenville State in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Concord in a doubleheader on Sunday also starting at 1 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.
