WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Fairmont State (19-25, 12-12 MEC) split a doubleheader against West Liberty (13-28, 11-13 MEC) on Sunday, falling 5–3 in the first game before bouncing back for a 7–4 victory in the second.
Game 1: West Liberty 5, Fairmont State 3
In Game 1, Fairmont State faced West Liberty where scoring began in the first inning. West Liberty took an early lead with a solo home run by Austin Wittreich, making it 1–0 by the end of the first inning.
In the third inning,
Cameron Moore singled, advanced to third on
Bryont Green's single, and scored on a single by
TJ Hughes, tying the game at 1–1. However, West Liberty responded with a solo home run by Garrett Comer, regaining the lead at 2–1.
Adam Loucks homered in the fourth inning to equalize at 2–2, but West Liberty added two runs during their half, including one run on a sacrifice fly, to extend their lead to 4–2.
The Falcons closed the gap in the fifth inning when Green singled, advanced to third on a single by Hughes, and scored on
Caleb Cottle's fielder's choice, narrowing the score to 4–3. The Hilltoppers remained scoreless in the fifth, keeping the lead at 4–3.
West Liberty increased its lead in the sixth inning with another solo home run by Hunter White, ending the inning at 5–3. The game concluded with no further scoring in the seventh inning, resulting in a final score of West Liberty 5, Fairmont State 3.
Caden Goodwin pitched a complete game for the Falcons, throwing 6 innings with 70 pitches, 42 of which were strikes. Goodwin allowed 5 earned runs on 4 hits, while striking out 3 batters.
Hughes led Fairmont State with three hits and one RBI. Loucks hit a home run and recorded one RBI. Green added two hits and one run scored.
Game 2: Fairmont State 7, West Liberty 4
In Game 2, Fairmont State secured a 7–4 victory over West Liberty, highlighted by a three-run first inning that set the tone for the game.
Fairmont State secured an early lead in the first inning when
Bryont Green hit a two-run homer, driving in
Cameron Moore.
TJ Hughes later scored on a single by
Brayden Hampton, aided by an error. The inning concluded with the Falcons leading 3–0.
In the third inning, the Hilltoppers managed to score a run with a sacrifice fly by Hunter White, closing the gap to 3–1.
The Falcons extended their lead in the fifth inning.
Cameron Moore singled and later scored on a hit by
Caleb Cottle, making the score 4–1. West Liberty responded with a run, keeping the score tight at 4–2 by the end of the fifth.
The sixth inning saw Fairmont State widen its margin as
Brayden Hampton scored on a single by
Reilly Bubb. Green later added two more runs with a double, bringing the total to 7–2. West Liberty scored once more, ending the inning at 7–3.
In the seventh, West Liberty added another run, narrowing the deficit to 7–4. However, the Falcons halted the rally attempt to secure the 7-4 victory.
Dylan Travinski delivered a solid start for the Falcons, pitching 5 innings with 7 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 4.
Braedon Leatherman came in for relief, contributing 2/3 of an inning with 1 earned run on 21 pitches.
Anthony Dixon followed, allowing 1 earned run in 1/3 of an inning.
Logan Keepers closed the game effectively, pitching a scoreless inning and securing a save with 1 strikeout.
Bryont Green led the Falcons with four RBIs and a home run.
Cameron Moore crossed home plate twice while
Brayden Hampton added two hits and one RBI.
Fairmont State starts a four-game series against Frostburg State University on Friday, May 1. Game one from Mylan Park is set for 1:00 p.m.
