After being swept by Louisiana Tech, Liberty finishes the regular season with a 22-32 overall record and 11-13 mark in CUSA play. The Flames now prepare for the CUSA Tournament which begins Wednesday.

THURSDAY: LOUISIANA TECH 4, LIBERTY 3

The visiting Louisiana Tech Bulldogs pushed across the go-ahead run on an infield hit in the ninth inning to pick up the win the CUSA series opener Thursday evening at Worthington Field at Liberty Baseball Stadium, in the first ever meeting between the two teams.

With the score tied at 3, runners on second and third with two out, the Flames could not field a dribbler in front of the plate, allowing the go ahead run to score from third. In the bottom of the ninth, the tying run reached second base with one but Liberty’s next two batters were retired to close out the contest.

Liberty took a 3-1 lead with three runs in the fourth inning, only two see Louisiana Tech score two runs in the sixth to tie the contest. Liberty was 2 for 13 with runners in scoring position in the game.

Liberty reliever Trey Cooper takes the loss. The fourth Liberty pitchers in the contest, he gave up one run on no hits over one-third of inning pitched. He walked one and hit a batter. Flames’ starting pitcher Cole Hertzler gave up one run on four hits over the first five innings. He struck out six and walked two.

FRIDAY GAME 1: LOUISIANA TECH 12, LIBERTY 8 (11 INNINGS)

The Bulldogs handled business in game one of a double header to conclude the CUSA series on Friday afternoon.

Before the game, Liberty honored five players during Senior Day ceremonies. The Flames recognized pitcher Trey Carter, pitcher Graham Edwards, catcher Three Hillier, outfielder Noah Rabon, and second baseman Aidan Sweatt.

Louisiana Tech jumped out to an 8-2 lead through seven innings, only two see Liberty plate four runs in the eighth inning to close the gap to two runs heading to the ninth. The Flames rallied in the ninth to tie the game at 8 and send it to extras. However, Louisiana Tech scored four times in the 11th inning to seize control of the game.

Catcher Macaddin Dye had two hits, including his sixth home run of the year, and drove in three runs for the Flames. Center fielder Kane Kepley hit a two run home run, his ninth of the year, and designated hitter Todd Hudson belted his ninth of the season.

Cale Bolton takes the loss for the Flames. The right hander gave up four runs on four hits over two innings. He struck out two and walked one. Flames reliever Trey Carter pitched three scoreless innings of relief, allowing Liberty to tie the contest. He struck out one and walked one.

FRIDAY GAME 2: LOUISIANA TECH 10, LIBERTY 1

The Bulldogs swept the doubleheader Friday, winning game two, while also sweeping the series in Lynchburg at Liberty Baseball Stadium.

In game two Friday, Louisiana Tech led from start to finish, plating three runs in the first inning. Bulldog pitchers Grant Hbuka and Turner Swistak handcuffed the Flames throughout the game to complete the sweep.

Like game one, Todd Hudson also hit a home run in game two, scoring the Flames’ lone run in the contest. It was his 10th home run of the season.

Liberty starting pitcher Bryce Dolby takes the loss. He allowed five runs, three earned, on four hits over 3.1 innings while striking out four and walking five.

Up Next: With the regular season complete, Liberty now prepares for the CUSA Baseball Tournament. The double elimination championship gets underway Wednesday at J.C. Love Field at Patterson Park in Ruston, Louisiana, the home field of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

Current CUSA Standings

Louisiana Tech……18-6, 41-15
Dallas Baptist……..17-7, 40-13
Western Kentucky…15-9, 34-20
Sam Houston……….13-11, 33-22
Liberty…………………11-13, 22-32
FIU………………………..11-13, 26-28
NMSU…………………..10-14, 25-27
Middle Tenn………….8-16, 20-34
Jax State……………..5-19, 18-34