After looking like they might be on the verge of going on a dominant streak, winning seven straight match ups leading up to last week’s recap, the Flames had a rather disappointing string of games this week.
The FlameTrain was derailed in Liberty’s first Big South series, dropping two of three to Radford. The Highlanders came out with bats swinging, racking up 21 runs in the first two games of the series before the Flames were able to stop the bleeding with a masterful pitching performance in game three from Jared Lyons.
Shawn Clowers picked up his first loss of the season. The senior currently leads the team with a 5-1 record.
The most concerning factor of the series was how Radford beat the Flames. Exploiting the Liberty pitching, which had been a staple of the Flames’ 2014 Big South run, is very concerning. It seems the Flames are still yet to find a solid weekend rotation, a facet of the game that will be vital to Liberty’s NCAA tournament hopes.
Liberty went on to struggle in the midweek match ups, both games against quality ACC teams. Duke kept the Flames’ bats in check with a 3-1 win, and the 12th ranked Virginia Cavaliers got off to a hot start that Liberty just couldn’t overcome. Virginia posted a 9-0 score before the Flames began their rally, but the deficit would be too much to overcome, ultimately resulting in a 10-7 final.
Flames Nation broke the Liberty Baseball Stadium attendance record with 2,841 fans coming out to support the Flames against Virginia, a phenomenal turnout considering the chilly conditions.
Results
Mar 20 5:00 @ Radford L 5-9
Mar 21 4:00 @ Radford L 3-12
Mar 22 2:00 @ Radford W 3-0
Mar 24 3:00 vs Duke L 1-3
Mar 25 3:00 vs Virginia L 7-10
Now for pretty much the most prestigious weekly baseball award given to a collegiate player, which athletes all across the southern side of the Lynchburg metropolitan area dream of one day winning, your FlamesNation Player of the Week.
Jared Lyons
Lyons beautiful work on the mound for the Flames in game 3 against Radford was one of the few bright spots this week. Jared’s complete game shut-out resulted in Liberty’s lone win this week. The performance included 10 strikeouts and only 3 hits from the Highlanders.
Lyons has been dealing this season, currently possessing a 1.29 ERA, lowest of any Flames pitcher with significant innings pitched. Opponents are hitting just .167 off the left-handed stud.
Upcoming:
The Flames will be taking on a much improved Presbyterian team this weekend, with the opening game set to begin at 7:00, then have a midweek home contest against in-state foe, ODU.
Mar 27 7:00 vs Presbyterian
Mar 28 3:00 vs Presbyterian
Mar 29 2:00 vs Presbyterian
Mar 31 4:00 vs ODU
All these games will be at home, so get out and support the FlameTrain.
