Liberty University Flames

The No. 20 FGCU Eagles defeated the Liberty Flames 7-2, Sunday in the ASUN series finale at Swanson Stadium.

After Liberty jumped out to a 1-0 advantage in the top of the first, FGCU scored two runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 2-1 lead, which they never relinquished.

Eagles starter Justin Henschel and LJ McDonough combined to limit Liberty to two runs and seven hits in the contest.

Liberty freshman first baseman Brayden Horton hit his first collegiate home run leading off the fifth inning. Flames catcher Gray Betts had two hits in the contest to lead the Flames.

With the win, the Eagles take the ASUN opening three-game series for both teams, 2-1. Liberty falls to 8-11 overall and 1-2 in ASUN play. FGCU improves to 16-4 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

Box Score Highlights

Records: Liberty (8-11, 1-2 ASUN); FGCU (16-4, 2-1 ASUN)

Location: Fort Myers, Fla. (Swanson Stadium)

WP: Justin Henschel (2-0) | LP: Mikey Tepper (0-3) | SV: LJ McDonough (5)

Scoring Summary

1^st INNING – LIBERTY - Hillier doubles, Troyer scores, 1-0

1^st INNING – FGCU – Povey doubles, Ellis scores, 1-1

1^st INNING – FGCU – Felix singles, Povey scores, 2-1

4^th INNING – FGCU – Figueredo singles, Ellis and Lojewski score, 4-1

4^th INNING – FGCU – Rodriguez singles, Povey scores, 5-1

5^th INNING – LIBERTY – Horton homers, 5-2

6^th INNING – FGCU – Rodriguez reaches on a fielding error, Ellis scores (unearned),, 6-2

6^th INNING – FGCU – Felix reaches on a throwing error, Kinker scores (unearned), 7-2

Notable Numbers

- Each team had eight hits apiece in the contest. The Flames committed two errors.

- Liberty left eight men on base. FGCU left 12 men on base.

- Besides Betts, no Liberty player had more than one hit in the game.

- Flames starter Mikey Tepper, the first of five Liberty pitchers in the contest, takes the loss. The right-hander gave up five runs on five hits over 3 2/3-plus innings. He struck out five and walked three.

- Henschel records the win. He allowed two runs on four hits over 5 2/3 innings for FGCU. He struck out two and walked four.

- McDonough earns the save with 3 1/3 innings of relief. He scattered four hits in, not allowing a run. He struck out five and did not walk a batter.

- Eagles right fielder Brian Ellis had two hits and a walk in the contest. He scored three times.

Turning Point

Liberty loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth inning, trailing 5-2. FGCU went to its bullpen, replacing starting pitcher Justin Henschel with LJ McDonough. The Eagle right-hander was able to retire the next Flames to end the inning and hold the host’s lead.

Beyond the Box Score

- With an RBI double in the first, Flames left fielder Three Hillier has reached base safely in 12 straight games.

- Betts recorded his team-leading eighth multi-hit game with a single and a double. He has reached base safely in 13 consecutive games, the longest such streak by a Flame this season.

Next Up

Liberty travels to Norfolk, Va., for a midweek contest against the Old Dominion Monarchs on Wednesday. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Featured in Main Photo: Brayden Horton

Schedule

No. 20 FGCU Tops Liberty in Series Finale