Liberty University’s baseball team defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 9-7 on May 3 after a late three-run home run by left fielder Nick Barone at Presley Askew Field in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The win is significant as Liberty overcame a four-run deficit, scoring six unanswered runs to secure the victory and clinch the series with one game remaining. The result improves Liberty’s record to 17-6 in Conference USA play and 34-13 overall, while New Mexico State falls to 8-15 in conference and 19-26 overall.
After trailing 7-3 in the sixth inning, Liberty narrowed the gap with three runs in the seventh on two-out singles from first baseman Jaxon Sorenson and Barone. In the ninth inning, right fielder Riley DeCandido led off with a single and advanced into scoring position following an error. A sacrifice bunt by Sorenson set up Barone’s home run, which put Liberty ahead for good. Right-hander Cooper Harrington closed out the game with a scoreless bottom of the ninth for his eighth save of the season.
Barone finished with two hits and four runs batted in (RBI), including his team-leading tenth home run of the season. Sorenson contributed two hits and three RBI, while DeCandido had two hits, one RBI, and scored three times. Relief pitcher Tyler August earned his fifth win of the year by holding New Mexico State scoreless over nearly three innings.
Notable performances included multi-hit games from several players on both teams. Despite being outhit by New Mexico State (16 hits to nine), Liberty committed no errors compared to three for their opponents. The Aggies’ Steve Solorzano had three hits including a home run.
With this victory, Liberty secures its fifth consecutive win heading into Sunday’s final game of their series against New Mexico State.
