ASUN momentum is back for the Flames as they come off of a series sweep of FGCU, overtaking them in the conference rankings and now in prime position to take the top spot from Kennesaw State this weekend.
Garrett Horn put together an impressive starting performance in the series opener last Friday, pitching for 5.1 innings and allowing only 4 hits and 2 earned runs. Aaron Anderson and Derek Orndorff also had 3 hits each as Liberty won the match 11-3. Dylan Cumming took the start in the second match and pitched 8 innings (103 pitches), allowing 1 earned run. Joe Adametz III closed out the series, pitching 7 innings and allowing 1 earned run and 4 hits.
Derek Orndorff really got into a groove in this series, getting at least 2 hits and 2 RBI’s in each game in addition to a home run to keep adding to his season total. A Tuesday loss against Virginia Tech somewhat stutters momentum going into the weekend but nevertheless the Flames should feel good going into this matchup. 1st basemen Logan Mathieu had himself a solid day at the plate against the Hokies with 3 hits and 3 RBI’s, including a two-run home run in the ninth.
The Kennesaw State Owls come into this home series matchup 21-10 and 10-2 in conference play, those 2 losses coming in a series agaisnt FGCU. They swept Stetson in dominant fashion this past weekend and as of now are atop the ASUN East Division standings. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games and will be looking to further solidify their spot as the top team in the ASUN.
Senior outfielder Josh Hatcher is the regular leadoff for the Owls and their most productive hitter this season. He leads the team in batting average (.426), hits (58), OPS (1.153), and RBI’s (30). Sophomore outfielder Zac Corbin and sophomore 1st basemen Donovan Cash bat 3 and 4 in the lineup. They are both consistent hitters and have noticeably similar statistics to each other with cash usually beating Corbin by a few numbers and percentage points in most categories. 3rd basemen Cash Young leads the team in home runs with 8 and is second in RBI’s with 29.
Senior starting pitchers Jack Myers and John Bezdicek have started the most games thus far for the Owls with 8 and a record of 3-1 apiece on their belts. Bezdicek has taken a bit of an edge over Myers in terms of stats, beating Myers out slightly in ERA, WHIP, and having allowed less hits and earned runs overall. Junior relief pitcher Jared Rine has put up good numbers in his 11 game appearances. He holds an ERA of 2.84 (best on the team) and is credited with 5 saves this season. Freshman Smith Pinson and senior Luke Torbert have also appeared in many games coming in for relief.
This weekend is a huge opportunity to grab the ASUN by the throat for Liberty and control their own destiny. Kennesaw is a good team and it will take the entirety of Liberty’s arsenal to make take away some statement wins this weekend. It should be a fun series with the top spot in the ASUN in the balance.
