The Flames were a perfect 4-0 on the diamond this week, with wins over Radford and a weekend sweep in Orlando against Central Florida. Liberty improves to 6-5 on the season heading into a week with an ACC mid-week game and conference play beginning.

TUESDAY: LIBERTY 5, RADFORD 1

After suffering a three-game sweep last weekend at TCU, the Flames were able to bounce back at home with a win over Radford on Tuesday. Mason Hand continues to pitch well during the middle of the week as he allowed one run in 3 and one-third innings pitched. David Erickson, Nick Willard, and Landon Riley combined for 5 and two-thirds innings of relief.

Brady Gulakowski was 2 for 3 at the plate, driving in three runs, scoring two including his first home run this season.

FRIDAY GAME 1: LIBERTY 2, UCF 1

Trevor DeLaite delivered 5 innings of two-hit baseball, allowing just one run as the Flames opened the three-game series at Central Florida with a 2-1 win. Fraser Ellard went 3 and two-thirds of scoreless pitching in relief while Landon Riley recorded the final out for his first save this season.

After the Knights took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, First baseman Logan Mathieu hit a two-run home run in the 6th to give the Flames the lead.

FRIDAY GAME 2: LIBERTY 8, UCF 3

In the second game of the double header on Friday, the Flames battled back to secure a third straight victory. Liberty scored 4 runs in the 6th inning when trailing 3-2. The Flames’ bullpen would hold on to the lead while the bats added insurance runs in both the 7th and the 8th.

Mason Meyer allowed 3 runs on 9 hits in the win while David Erickson pitched 4 innings of 2-hit shutout baseball in relief. Logan Mathieu hit a solo home run, his second of the day in the double header. Jake Wilson also got into the action with a home run for the Flames. Aaron Anderson was 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs while Cam Locklear was 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored.

SUNDAY: LIBERTY 3, UCF 2

Freshman Trey Gibson had his best outing of his early collegiate career, allowing just 3 hits and 1 run in 5 innings. Nick Willard and Landon Riley held the Knights to just one run over the final four innings as the Flames finalized the sweep in Orlando. Aaron Anderson and Cam Locklear each had solo home runs in the win.

It was a back and forth game as the Flames took the lead with one run in the top of the 5th before UCF answered in the home half of the inning to even the score. Liberty responded with a run in the 6th and another in the 8th as the Flames took a 3-1 lead before UCF scored one in the 8th. Riley would strand two UCF base runners as he recorded the final out to pick up the save.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: LOGAN MATHIEU

First baseman Logan Mathieu was 3 for 15 batting in the four games for the Flames this week, but all of his hits were very productive and in crucial situations for Liberty. He had a double, two home runs, three runs scored, and two RBIs during the week. His two-run shot in the first game Friday at UCF were the only two runs the Flames scored in the win.

PITCHER OF THE WEEK: DAVID ERICKSON

Erickson was superb in relief for the Flames this week, picking up the win on Tuesday against the Highlanders and got the save in game two on Friday against UCF. In his two appearances, Erickson pitched 6 and two-thirds innings of scoreless baseball with 9 strikeouts.

ON TAP

The Flames return to action Tuesday afternoon in Chapel Hill against the North Carolina Tar Heels. UNC is 7-3 on the season after opening the year 6-0, then dropping three straight in ACC contests to Virginia and Virginia Tech. The Tar Heels stopped their brief losing streak on Sunday with a 9-6 win in Blacksburg over the Hokies. First pitch is scheduled for 3 pm.

Liberty will then open conference play with a three game home series against North Alabama. Games are scheduled for Friday at 4 pm, Saturday at 2 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm. The Lions are just 1-8 on the season including a four game sweep in a non-conference series against fellow ASUN member Stetson.