Liberty Rally Falls Short in Game Two

After a two-run home run by High Point's Steve Antolik in the top of the ninth, the Liberty Flames got their first two batters aboard in the bottom of the inning, but could not score the equalizer, falling to the Panthers, 5-4, in game two of a Big South baseball doubleheader, Saturday afternoon at Worthington Stadium.

Liberty sees its five-game winning streak come to an end, evening its record at 3-3 conference action and dropping to 18-9 overall. High Point moves to 4-5 in the Big South standings and 17-12 overall. Liberty had won the first game of the doubleheader, 14-8.

Trailing 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning, High Point center fielder Matt Fulginiti opened the inning with a single. Panther first baseman Antolik followed with his third home run of the season, putting High Point into the lead at 5-4.

In the bottom of the inning, second baseman P.J Jimenez and pinch hitter Casey Brown led off the home half of the ninth with back-to-back singles. However, Panther reliever Jaime Schultz held the runners in place, retiring the next three Liberty batters to close out the 5-4 win.

The Flames struck for the first runs of the contest in the second inning. After right fielder Michael Robertson singled to lead off the frame, he scored when Jimenez reached on a fielding error by High Point shortstop Mike Mercurio. Two batters later, Redal delivered Jimenez with a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 lead.

In the fourth, the Panthers used two home runs to stake themselves to a 3-2 advantage. Nate Robertson, who also hit a home run in the first game of the twinbill, opened the inning with his 10th round tripper of the year. Catcher Kyle Mahoney followed with a single and scored ahead of left fielder Matt Gantner's fifth home run of the season, putting High Point on top by one.

Liberty plated two runs in the sixth to go back into the lead. Catcher Nathan Thompson singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Matt Williams. After Robertston walked, Bream singled through the right side of the infield to cash in Thompson, knotting the game at 3-3, and moving Robertson to third. Robertson then scored on a wild pitch, giving the Flames a 4-3 advantage, which they held until the ninth.

Liberty reliever Dane Beakler takes the loss, falling to 1-2 on the year. The right-hander gave up two runs on three hits in 3 2/3 innings of relief. He struck out three batters and walked none. He had retired seven consecutive batters until Fulginiti's single to lead off the ninth.

Schultz picks up the win in relief, moving to 2-0 on the year. He did not allow a run in 3 2/3 innings, giving up three hits. The right-hander struck out four batters and walked none.

Redal had two hits to pace the Flames in the second game. For the twinbill, the Liberty center fielder was 7-for-10. Designated hitter Pablo Rosario, Roberts, Fulginiti and Antolik each had two hits apiece for the Panthers.

Liberty travels to Norfolk, Va., Tuesday, for its second meeting of the year with the Old Dominion Monarchs. First pitch for the non-conference tilt is scheduled for 5 p.m. High Point next travels to Wake Forest for a Wednesday non-conference contest with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Schedule

Liberty Rally Falls Short in Game Two

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Team Stats

Curran Redal

Austin Taylor

Nathan Thompson

Matt Williams