A tough weekend for the Flames has them looking up in the Big South standings at Winthrop and Presbyterian. The Flames were outscored 29-9 over the three game series at home against Winthrop. The only game that was somewhat competitive was the opener and even then the Flames struggled to mount any type of comeback. After the tough weekend there is reason to be pleased with where this team sits in the standings midway through conference play.
The Flames sit at 7-5 which is good enough to be tied for 2nd with Gardner-Webb and just a game behind Winthrop and Presbyterian with 12 more games remaining in conference play.
The pitching staff is better than the 2016 version, but is still finding its way. There are far more bright spots on this year’s staff than there were a year ago even if both the pen and the starters have had there struggles. Jack DeGroat and Garret Price are the real deal, and Caleb Evans is much improved over last season.
Sammy Taormina is who we thought he’d be, the player who would have a break out season for this team. He’s been the consistent offense for this team all year. He leads the team in hits (45), Homer’s (5), and RBI’s (33).
Here are the updated Big South Standings as of 4.17.17:
1. Winthrop (20-16 Overall, 8-4 BSC, RPI – 82)
1. Presby (20-18 Overall, 8-4 BSC, RPI 154)
3. Liberty (20-14 Overall, 7-5 BSC, RPI – 80)
3. Gardner-Web (18-17 Overall, 7-5 BSC, RPI – 169)
5. Radford (16-19 Overall, 6-6 BSC, RPI – 141)
6. High Point (19-16 Overall, 7-8 BSC, RPI – 179)
8. Campbell (14-21 Overall, 5-7 BSC, RPI – 237)
8. UNCA (14-21 Overall, 5-7 BSC, RPI – 206)
9. Charleston Southern (17-18 Overall, 6-9 BSC, RPI – 218)
10. Longwood (12-22 Overall, 4-8 BSC, RPI – 258)
Liberty is right in the mix for a conference championship in Coach Jackson’s fist year at the helm. The Flames travel to No. 3 UNC, Coach Jackson’s former employer, for a 6pm contest Tuesday. The Flames next two in conference weekend series will be on the road to face Gardner-Webb and Longwood respectively. Go Flames!
