Flames Sweep FIU, Move Into Tie for Second in CUSA

After a midweek setback, Liberty (18-9, 6-3) responded in a big way, sweeping FIU behind dominant pitching and an offense that continues to find its rhythm. The Flames controlled all three games of the weekend series, capping it with a run-rule victory Sunday to secure their first Conference USA sweep of the season.

Tuesday: Liberty 6, UNCG 7

Liberty lost their third consecutive midweek game and sixth matchup in the previous 10 as the Flames fell to UNCG on Tuesday night. 

The Flames and Spartans went back and forth throughout the game. UNCG would open the scoring in the second, with Liberty tying it in the bottom of the inning. The Flames would take a one-run lead in the third off a Jordan Jaffe solo homer and then again in the sixth after a Nick Barone triple brought Jaffe to home plate. A four-run Spartan 7th would break the game open, as the Flames would cut the lead to one in the bottom of the seventh and see the winning run at home to bat in the bottom of the ninth, but UNCG would hold on to secure the win and split the season series. 

UNCG outhit Liberty 12-10 in the contest, as Jordan Jaffe led the Flames with two hits, including a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored. Nick Barone added two hits and two RBI, while Jaxon Sorenson also recorded a multi-hit performance.

Friday Game 1: Liberty 4, FIU 3

The Flames held off a late push from FIU to secure a 4-3 victory in the series opener at Al Worthington Field.

Liberty opened the scoring in the first, courtesy of a balk, and then a Sorenson groundout brought home Jaffe to give Liberty an early 2-0 lead. FIU’s Cole Cleveland homered to cut Liberty’s lead in half, before Liberty tacked on two more in fourth and fifth innings to increase their lead to 4-1. The Panthers homered again in the 8th to cut Liberty’s lead to one. FIU threatened in the ninth, putting two on base with just one out, but Liberty reliever Josh Swink closed the door on FIU as the Flames secured the series opener.

Ben Blair delivered another dominant start, allowing just one run over seven innings while striking out nine without issuing a walk. Liberty managed just four hits and got out-hit by FIU (7-4), but capitalized on their opportunities, with Riley DeCandido driving in his team-leading 22nd RBI as the Flames improved to 16-9 on the season.

Saturday Game 2: Liberty 7, FIU 1

The Flames continued their strong pitching and used a big fourth inning to take Game 2 and the series.

FIU opened the game with a solo homerun, and that would be it for the Panthers as FIU left 11 men on base and the Flames held them to just four hits. After falling behind early, the Flames responded with three runs in the fourth, highlighted by Jaxon Sorenson’s first home run of the season. 

Riley DeCandido reached base four times and scored a career-high four runs, while Josh Campos drove in three runs. Jaxon Lucas earned the win for LU, allowing just one run over 4 1/3 innings, while the Liberty bullpen combined to hold FIU hitless for a four-inning stretch as Liberty secured their second straight CUSA series.

Sunday Game 3: Liberty 13, FIU 0

The Flames left no doubt on Sunday, run-ruling the Panthers 13-0 to sweep the series.

Tanner Marsh set the tone for the Flames with a solo home run in the first Liberty at-bat, which would turn into a five-run first inning. Liberty would tack on five more runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth to reach 13 runs. Liberty out-hit FIU 13-1, while Easton Swofford lead the way with three hits, three RBI, and two runs scored.

On the mound, Bradley Zayac delivered five dominant innings, allowing just one hit while striking out seven without issuing a walk. Zayac has not allowed more than two earned runs in all of his six starts this season. Liberty’s pitching dominated the game, as the Flame arms gave up just one hit in Liberty’s third shutout win of the season. Liberty improves to 12-6 at home this season and moves into a tie for second in the Conference USA standings with the win.

UP NEXT: Liberty (18-9) (6-3) will hit the road this week for a four-game road trip. The Flames will open the week on Tuesday in Raleigh, NC, against NC State (18-10). The Wolfpack are looking to get back on track after six straight losses, while the Flames are looking for a resume-boosting win over an ACC foe. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM, and the game will be televised on ACCNX. Liberty will then turn to Western Kentucky (15-13, 4-5) for their CUSA series slate of the week. The defending Conference USA champions have struggled to start conference play, going just 1-6 in their last two conference series against Jacksonville State and Sam Houston. Similarly to Liberty, WKU swept FIU, resulting in their 4-5 conference record. Liberty will seek to win their third consecutive CUSA series, while the Hilltoppers hope to avoid losing their third-straight CUSA series in what could be a defining weekend slate for both teams. First pitch for the series is scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd at 7:00 PM E.T. You can watch the entire series on ESPN+.

Conference USA Standings

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