Liberty University’s baseball team defeated Middle Tennessee State University 10-2 on May 15, with a strong offensive showing that included four home runs at Reese Smith Jr. Field in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The win is significant as it brings Liberty to a record of 20-9 in Conference USA play and 37-18 overall, while Middle Tennessee drops to 12-17 in conference games and 25-28 overall. The victory also evens the three-game series between the teams at one game each.
Designated hitter Ryan Drumm led Liberty’s offense by hitting two home runs and driving in three runs. Center fielder Josh Campos contributed a solo home run, and second baseman Ethan Swofford hit a grand slam as part of a seven-run fifth inning for the Flames. “Swofford went 2-for-3 with a walk, four RBI and two runs scored for Liberty, while Drumm also had two hits, driving in three runs and scoring twice,” according to the university’s summary.
Starting pitcher Josh Swink allowed just two runs—one earned—on seven hits over a career-high seven innings without walking any batters. Swink struck out two en route to earning his third win of the season. The Blue Raiders’ starting pitcher Chase Alderman took the loss after giving up seven runs on five hits over four-and-a-third innings.
Notable performances included Campos joining Drumm and Swofford with two hits each; Campos also scored twice and hit his ninth home run of the season. For Middle Tennessee, Cooper Clapp had two hits including his eleventh homer this year.
With this result, Liberty reaches twenty wins in conference play for the first time since their Big South regular season campaign in 2014. The series concludes tomorrow afternoon when both teams meet again for their final regular-season matchup.
