WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Fairmont State University (30-10, 18-4) faced West Liberty University (18-27, 11-13) in a doubleheader on Saturday, resulting in a loss in the first game and a decisive victory in the second.
Game 1: West Liberty 5, Fairmont State 1
In the first game, Fairmont State fell to West Liberty with a final score of 5–1. The game remained scoreless through the first four innings, with both teams unable to capitalize on opportunities.
In the fifth inning, Fairmont State broke the deadlock when
Bella Hess tripled to right center, allowing
Paige Matteson to score, giving the Falcons a temporary lead.
However, the Hilltoppers responded aggressively in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five runs. Jaden Conrad doubled to drive in Paytyn Tucker, while a single from Kadence Pettit brought in two more runs. Additional runs were added through a hit by pitch with the bases loaded and a single to the pitcher, extending West Liberty's lead to 5–1 by the end of the inning.
No further runs were scored in the final two innings, with the Falcons unable to close the gap, leading to the Hilltoppers securing a 5–1 victory.
Caitlin Morey started on the mound for Fairmont State, pitching 4 2/3 innings while allowing four earned runs on eight hits, striking out four and walking two.
Phoebe Rusnak entered in relief, giving up one earned run on two hits without recording an out, while hitting two batters in her brief outing.
Micah Wilson closed the game by pitching 1 1/3 innings, allowing one hit and delivering 11 strikes out of 16 total pitches.
Bella Hess recorded a triple and collected an RBI.
Jaylin McGill reached base twice with two walks and added a hit in her performance.
Paige Matteson crossed the plate once, adding a hit to the team's tally.
Game 2: Fairmont State 12, West Liberty 4 (6 Inn.)
In the second game, Fairmont State secured a 12-4 victory. The offensive surge began in the first inning when
Alexa Foresha doubled to left center, driving in three runs, followed by
Sydney Emanuel's RBI single, giving the Falcons a 4-3 lead at the end of the inning.
In the second inning, the Falcons extended their lead to 5-3 as
Carly Crowder, pinch running for Abbie Keilhoz, scored on a sacrifice fly by
Emma Paul.
Jaylin McGill scored in the third inning on an RBI double from Foresha, bringing the score to 6-3.
The fourth inning saw the Falcons add two more runs, with
Paige Matteson singling to left field, scoring
Jaylin McGill and
Allyson Nordling, increasing the lead to 8-3.
In the fifth inning, Nordling and McGill each scored, pushing the Falcons' advantage to 10-4. Matteson homered in the sixth inning, and Paul singled through the left side to bring in
Bella Hess, concluding the scoring at 12-4.
Delaney Haller pitched 4 innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs while striking out 6 without issuing a walk.
Allyson Nordling contributed with 2 innings of relief work, surrendering 1 earned run on 3 walks and 2 strikeouts.
Bella Hess recorded three hits and scored three runs.
Avery Townsend added two hits and two runs, also stealing one base in the game. Paul tallied three hits and drove in two runs, including a double. Foresha collected three hits and four RBIs, hitting two doubles. Matteson powered the Falcons with a home run, driving in three runs and notching two hits.
Fairmont State remains in the area on Sunday, April 26 to face Wheeling University. Game one from the I-470 Complex is set to start at 1:00 p.m.
