The Citadel Bulldogs secured a 4-3 win over Liberty University on Saturday at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in Charleston, South Carolina, evening the three-game baseball series at one game each.
Aryan Patel played a key role in the eighth inning, hitting a double down the right-field line that allowed Jayden Williams to score and break the tie. Patel then advanced to third base and later scored after an error by Liberty’s catcher.
Earlier in the game, The Citadel took an early lead in the second inning. Singles from Miles Barbrey and Carson Hodges set up Matthew Lively for a two-RBI single. Hodges had previously stolen second base before Lively’s hit.
Liberty made an attempt to come back in the ninth inning with Tanner Marsh driving in a run on a fielder’s choice, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Michael Gibson earned the win for The Citadel after pitching four innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out seven batters. Bryce Coulter started for The Citadel with five innings pitched, giving up two hits and one run with two strikeouts.
For Liberty, Jaxon Lucas pitched four innings with three hits and two runs allowed along with three strikeouts. Tyler August followed with three innings of relief, allowing just one hit before Aydan Decker-Petty gave up two runs on one hit during his single inning of work.
The series will conclude with a rubber match scheduled for Sunday, February 15 at 11 am ET.
