The Liberty Flames defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 7-4 on May 3, sweeping their three-game series at Presley Askew Field in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The win is significant as it keeps Liberty at the top of Conference USA standings and extends their winning streak to six games. The Flames now hold an 18-6 record in conference play and are 35-13 overall, while New Mexico State drops to 8-16 in conference and 19-27 overall.
Catcher Kyle Hvidsten gave Liberty an early lead with a two-run home run in the second inning. Pitchers Bradley Zayac, Jackson Evans, and Cooper Harrington combined to limit the Aggies to four runs. Left fielder Nick Barone led the offense by going four-for-four with two runs batted in, a run scored, and a stolen base. Zayac improved his season record to seven wins without a loss after allowing two runs over five innings. Evans pitched three innings of relief, giving up two runs on three hits. Harrington earned his ninth save of the season by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
Liberty outhit New Mexico State twelve to nine and committed no errors while the Aggies made four defensive mistakes. Shortstop Tanner Marsh contributed with two hits and extended his hitting streak to twelve games. Third baseman Jordan Jaffe also extended his hitting streak to twelve games and has reached base safely in thirty-six consecutive contests.
Barone recorded his first four-hit game this season, marking his nineteenth multi-hit performance for Liberty. The team now has ninety-one stolen bases this year—the most since swiping one hundred nineteen bags in 2011.
Looking ahead, Liberty will return home for its final homestand of the regular season starting Wednesday against Virginia Tech at Worthington Field.
