BLACKSBURG – A scoreless game through four, the visiting Liberty Flames used two Virginia Tech errors to score four unearned runs in the fifth, giving them a lead they would not relinquish as they took a 6-1 decision over the Hokies in non-conference action at English Field at Union Park Tuesday night.
Luke Scherzer, who struck out six straight Flames over the second through fourth innings and notched a career high eight in the game, ran into trouble in the fifth when Cam Locklear reached on a leadoff error.
Three batters later, Liberty (18-6) had runners on the corners and two outs when Jonathan Embry also reached on an error, which extended the inning and scored Locklear. Two batters later, Brandon Rohrer hit a two-RBI single that gave the Flames a 4-0 lead.
Tech (16-9) tried to battle back, getting to Liberty starter Mason Meyer in the home half of the sixth. Carson Taylor walked and Luke Horanski doubled before the Flames went to their bullpen.
Garret Price hit the first batter he faced, Nick Biddison, but got a double play ball and a grounder to first to end the threat with just one run crossing the plate
Liberty added two runs in the seventh to provide some cushion and finish off the afternoon's scoring.
Horanski and Jack Owens each had two hits, while Tech was limited to five hits total.
Up Next
Tech will next be in action on Friday, when the Hokies welcome the 15thh-ranked Clemson Tigers to town for an ACC weekend series. First pitch for the first game of the set is set for 6 p.m. at English Field at Union Park.