Liberty’s Cam Troyer had five runs batted in and the Flames’ bullpen was able to withstand a late Longwood rally, to preserve the 9-7 win on Wednesday evening. The home opener for Liberty helped improve the team’s record 4-4 on the season while the Lancers fell to 2-8.
Troyer blasted a three-run home run in the bottom of the first to start the scoring, giving the Flames an early 3-0 advantage over the visiting in-state Lancers. Troyer would add two more RBIs in the 6th as two runners scored when he singled. That increased the Liberty lead to 8-2.
Looking like the Flames would coast to an easy win, Longwood would not go down without a fight. They scored four runs in the top of the 7th to get back within striking distance by a margin of 8-6. After a Liberty insurance run in 8th, the Lancers added another run in the 9th as they threatened to extend the game.
Liberty head coach Scott Jackson would turn to Jeremy Beamon to close the door. Beamon allowed an RBI single with two outs, bringing the margin to 9-7 with runners on first and second and the would be go-ahead run stepping in to home plate. Beamon would stiffen and get the job done by striking out Tanner Thomas to end the game and the threat. Beamon would earn his first save of the season.
Garrett Gainey got the midweek start once again, improving to 2-0 on the year as he picked up the win. Gainey pitched 6 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out four. Gainey and Beamon were two of six pitchers that Coach Jackson utilized for the win as David Erickson, Nick Willard, Todd Hudson, and Trey Cooper all had their opportunities on the mound.
Troyer finished the evening 2 for 3 at the plate with the 5 RBIs. Jake Lazzaro also had a multi-hit game for the Flames, doing so out of the nine-hole, as the Liberty shortstop was 2 for 4. Victor Castillo had 2 RBIs and scored two runs while Three Hillier also stepped across home plate twice.
Up next: Liberty continues their five-game home stand by playing host to Bryant this weekend. The Flames will face the 1-5 Bulldogs with the three games from Liberty Baseball Stadium scheduled first pitch for 4 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.
