March 21, 2012
LYNCHBURG, Va. Liberty's (21-3) designated hitter Tyler Cox drove in a season-high five runs to lead the Flames to a 12-6 victory over Old Dominion (8-12) Wednesday afternoon at Worthington Field.
Old Dominion pushed a run across in the top of the fifth. Right fielder Ben Verlander singled with one out and later scored on a Liberty throwing error.
The Monarchs sliced into the Liberty lead in the top of the sixth, scoring five runs. After scoring a run on a single by third baseman Ben Frazier, Old Dominion benefitted from a Flames error with two outs, leading to four additional runs. Shelton drew a walk with the bases loaded to force in a run, followed by a bases-loaded infield single by outfielder Josh Eldridge to make it, 12-4, Liberty. Left fielder Drew Coker and shortstop Josh Wright were then hit by pitches with the bases loaded, adding two more runs, trimming the Flames lead to 12-6.
Ben Verlander led ODU with two runs scored, while Drew Coker, Josh Wright, Brent Frazier, BrandonSheldon and Josh Eldridge each knocked in one run.
Liberty relievers Patrick Bankemper and Jared Lyons restored order over the final 2 2/3 innings, as the Flames closed out the win.
ODU returns to action this weekend with a CAA series against Hofstra beginning Friday at 6 p.m. at the Bud Metheny Complex.