WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University baseball team returns to non-conference action Wednesday afternoon with a road doubleheader at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. at Owen J. Dougherty Field.
The Hilltoppers (9-17) will look to bounce back following a challenging weekend, while IUP enters the midweek matchup with a 14-14 overall record.
West Liberty continues to be paced by one of the top bats in the region in Hunter White. The junior is hitting .398 with a team-best .636 slugging percentage, 35 hits, 21 RBIs, and five home runs, leading the Hilltoppers in nearly every major offensive category.
Giacomo Dolce (.287) and Evan Tice (.302) provide consistency in the middle of the lineup, while Luke Foley has been a key run producer with 17 runs scored and five doubles. Luke Marsh has also driven in 19 runs, giving West Liberty multiple threats throughout the order.
The Hilltoppers have shown the ability to generate offense in a variety of ways, ranking strong in extra-base hits and drawing consistent walks, with Aaron Flowers (15) and Foley (14) leading the way in free passes.
West Liberty has relied on its experienced trio of starters, led by John Thompson. The right-hander owns a 4-3 record with a 4.11 ERA across a team-high 46 innings, while also leading the staff with 34 strikeouts.
Colby Conn and Mason Bille have also logged significant innings this season, combining for 54.2 innings of work. Limiting free passes and big innings will be a key focus for the Hilltoppers' pitching staff against a disciplined IUP lineup.
IUP is led offensively by Ricardo Aponte, who is hitting .352 with a .681 slugging percentage, six home runs, 27 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases—making him one of the most dynamic players in the matchup.
Teague Hoover (.333) and David Kessler (.287) add depth to the Crimson Hawks lineup, while Erik Rhodes provides additional power with multiple extra-base hits.
On the mound, Derrick Shields (4.29 ERA) and Cameron Copple (3 wins) headline the IUP pitching staff, both capable of limiting opposing offenses with solid command and strikeout ability.
West Liberty has found success against IUP in recent matchups, including a 15-9 win last season in Indiana, Pa. The Hilltoppers are 2-3 in the last five meetings but have shown the ability to produce runs in bunches against the Crimson Hawks.
Following Wednesday's doubleheader, West Liberty returns home to host Point Park in a Mountain East Conference weekend series 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.
