NUTTER FORT, W.Va. – The West Liberty University baseball team dropped both ends of a Sunday doubleheader at Salem, falling 8-3 in game one and 13-2 in game two.

Game One: Salem 8, West Liberty 3

West Liberty struck first with a strong fourth inning, plating three runs to take a 3-1 lead. Austin Wittreich delivered an RBI single to tie the game before heads-up baserunning helped push across a second run. Aaron Flowers capped the inning with an RBI double to give the Hilltoppers their largest lead of the day.

Salem responded in a decisive fifth inning, scoring seven runs to take control. The rally was fueled by timely hitting, including a two-run single from Jimmy Laforce and a three-run double off the bat of Max Castro.

The Hilltoppers outhit Salem 8-7, with Giacomo Dolce recording two hits. Wittreich, Luke Marsh, Garrett Comer, Cooper Basciano, and Flowers each added a hit, while Hunter White, Wittreich, and Marsh accounted for the team's three runs.

Seth Cover (3-4) took the loss after working 4.2 innings, while Charles Thomas provided 1.1 innings of scoreless relief. Salem's Otho Savage earned the complete-game victory.

Game Two: Salem 13, West Liberty 2

Salem carried its momentum into game two, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead behind a pair of RBI doubles from Reese Rinna and an RBI single from Cody Thomas.

West Liberty got on the board in the fourth inning when Garrett Comer drove in Austin Wittreich with a single. The Hilltoppers added another run in the sixth as Aaron Flowers collected his second RBI of the day with a base hit.

However, Salem broke the game open with a six-run fifth inning and added three more in the sixth to secure the sweep. Joe Wintermute led the Tigers' offense with four hits and four runs scored, while Rinna drove in four runs.

Wittreich paced West Liberty with two hits and a run scored. Comer added two hits and an RBI, while Flowers chipped in with an RBI.

Mason Bille (2-4) took the loss, allowing nine runs (four earned) over 4.2 innings. Wyatt McClintock tossed the final 1.1 innings in relief.



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.