Liberty had a very successful week, picking up a win over Virginia Tech in the midweek before picking up its second series win in CUSA play of the season, taking two of three at FIU. The Flames enter the final week of the regular season at 29-23 overall and 9-15 in conference play.

WEDNESDAY: LIBERTY 7, VIRGINIA TECH 4

For the second time in eight days, Liberty picked up a win over Virginia Tech, as the Flames also defeated the Hokies a week prior, 13-4. Liberty led from start to finish Wednesday, plating six runs in the first inning. Highlighting the first inning outburst was a three-run home run by Tucker Moore, his fifth round-tripper of the year. The Flames tacked on a run in the third on a sacrifice fly by Moore, before seeing the Hokies hit two two-run home run in the seventh and eighth innings.

Liberty righty Caleb Lingenfelter did not allow a run over the first five innings to record his second win over Virginia Tech this season. He scattered four hits, struck out three and did not issue a walk. The five innings were his longest outing of his Liberty career. Garrett McLaughlin, the final pitcher of four to take the mound for the Flames, picked u his fourth save of the season as he pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

Moore tied his career-high with four RBI in the game. Camden Troyer had two hits, an RBI, and scored a run in the contest. Easton Swofford had an RBI single, walked twice, and scored a run.

The Flames are 8-4 in the midweek and 7-3 against teams from the ACC during the midweek this season.

FRIDAY: LIBERTY 4, FIU 2

Nick Barone and Jaxon Sorenson broke a 2-2 tie with back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning, and Ben Blair pitched 7.1 innings as Liberty slipped past FIU in the series opener at FIU Baseball Stadium. With the score tied and two out, Barone ripped his ninth home run over the left field wall to break the tie. Sorenson followed with his 13th home run of the year.

Blair allowed two runs on five hits over a career-high 7.1 innings. He struck out 10 Panthers and walked one. The right-hander matched FIU starting pitcher Easton Marks, who left after seven innings with the score tied at 2.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Panthers got the first two batters of the inning on base. After a bunt moved the tying runs into scoring position with one out, Liberty went to the bullpen and Josh Swink. He proceeded to retire the next two batters to seal the win and record his third save of the season.

SATURDAY: FIU 10, LIBERTY 4

FIU led from start to finish to pick up the win on Saturday to even the series. The Panthers plated two runs in the second inning to take a lead they never relinquished. After the Flames cut their advantage to 2-1 in the top of the third, FIU struck for four runs in the bottom of the inning to take a commanding 6-1 advantage. The Panthers used three home runs to build their early lead.

Landon Scilley had two hits and scored two runs. Camden Troyer also had two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Flames.

Liberty starter Dylan Mathiesen takes the loss. He gave up three runs on three hits over two innings. He struck out four and walked one. H e left the game in the third inning due to an injury. Liberty’s final pitcher in the game, Trey Cooper, pitched three scoreless innings. He yielded one hit while striking out five and walking four.

SUNDAY: LIBERTY 3, FIU 0

Jake Potts and Tyler August combined to shut down the Panthers on Sunday leading to Liberty’s series victory, the team’s second CUSA series victory this season. Potts and August held the Panthers in check throughout the afternoon, scattering six hits. The two pitchers matched the FIU pitching staff through the first seven innings, each working out of a scoring threat, allowing the Flames to break through in the scoreless game in the eighth inning.

With one out in the top of the eighth, Michael Robertson singled and then stole second base. Landon Scilley followed with a single to left field to score Robertson for a 1-0 lead. Nick  Barone then hit a two-run home run in the ninth, his 10th of the year, for the final margin of the game.

August records his first win in a Liberty uniform. The reliever pitched 3.2 scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out four. Potts, the starter for the Flames, gave up four hits over 5.1 innings. He struck out five and walked three.

Up Next: Liberty concludes the regular season this week with four games at home. The Flames first welcome to Duke to Liberty Baseball Stadium Tuesday night at 6 p.m. before Dallas Baptist makes the trek to Lynchburg for a three-game series, beginning Thursday at 6 p.m.

Current CUSA Standings

Dallas Baptist……..19-5, 36-13
Western Kentucky…17-7, 41-10
Kennesaw State……14-9, 25-25
Jax State……………..13-11, 31-21
Louisiana Tech…….12-11, 28-22
NMSU…………………..10-13, 22-29
FIU………………………10-13, 27-25
Liberty…………………9-15, 29-23
Middle Tenn………….8-16, 23-28
Sam Houston……….6-18, 12-39

The Flames are currently one game ahead of Middle Tennessee for the super important 8th place spot as the top eight teams advance to the CUSA Baseball Tournament hosted by the Flames. Both Liberty and MTSU have one three-game series remaining this week with the Blue Raiders taking on Kennesaw State. Liberty also owns the head-to-head tiebreaker with MTSU having swept them earlier in the season.