BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Liberty scored seven runs in the first three innings Friday evening as the Flames went on to hand Gardner-Webb a 14-8 loss in the Big South Conference opener for both squads.
Gardner-Webb (11-8, 0-1 Big South) produced 13 base hits throughout the evening, yet issued a season-high 12 walks. Liberty (10-7, 1-0 Big South) walked just four batters during the game, while also collecting 15 hits.
Liberty jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first, the first run coming on a RBI double by Tre Todd, later followed by a two-run double down the right field line by Jonathan Embry, giving the Flames a 3-0 advantage with no outs.
One more run would cross the plate on a ground out by Brandon Rohrer to set the score at 4-0 after one inning.
Liberty added another run in the top of the second inning on a RBI knock to right field by Dylan Allen.
Gardner-Webb produced its first run of the evening the bottom of the second inning on a RBI hit to deep right field by
Mickey Dugan, setting the score at 5-1.
The Flames tacked on two runs in the third on a RBI fielder's choice by Cam Locklear, later followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by Todd.
The Diamond 'Dogs sliced into Liberty's lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Justin Kunz was hit by the first pitch he saw to lead off the frame, which was followed by first pitch single by
Eric Jones, putting runners at first and second with no outs for
Chandler Redmond.
Redmond uncorked a 0-1 pitch well past the left field wall to pull Gardner-Webb within three runs at 7-4, his sixth home run of the 2018 campaign.
Liberty answered in the top of the fifth, plating four runs to seize control of the bout, highlighted by a two-run home run to left field by D.J. Artis.
GWU scored solo runs in the fifth, seventh, eighth, and ninth innings, while Liberty scored twice in the sixth and once in the ninth, setting the final score at 14-8.
Gardner-Webb had five batters with multiple hits on the evening, led by Redmond (2-for-4, 2B, HR, 4 RBI) and Dugan (2-for-3, RBI).
Artis paced the Flames' offensive output at the dish with a 3-of-4 performance with a home run and two RBI.
Zach Clinton (4-2) was awarded for Liberty, allowing three runs on three hits in 1.1 innings of relief. Starter Noah Skirrow lasted 2.0 innings, giving up one run on a pair of base hits. Zack Brockman (1.2 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 3 K), Vinnie Tarantola (1.1 IP, 1 R, 3 H), and Andrew Stout (2.2 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 4 K) wrapped up the contest for the Flames.
Landon Mitchel (2-3) was saddled with the loss for GWU, surrendering five earned runs on seven base hits in 3.0 innings of work with a pair of strikeouts and five walks issued.
Carey Spratlin tossed 2.2 innings in relief, giving up six earned runs on six hits with a strikeout and three walks.
Zach Duncan worked the final 3.1 innings on the mound, allowing one earned run on a pair of hits with one strikeout and four walks.
The two teams resume the series tomorrow afternoon, with the first pitch scheduled for 2:00 pm at Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium. Prior to the first pitch, the 2008 Gardner-Webb baseball squad that advanced to the Atlantic Sun Conference Baseball Championship game will be honored in a special ceremony.
