The Shadow
KENNESAW, GA. – Three Flames hit home runs as the No. 2 seed Liberty Flames won their 40th game of the season, muscling past the No. 5 seed Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 6-0 in Pool B play Friday at the 2026 CUSA Baseball Championship.
With the victory, Liberty wins 40 or more games for the sixth time in program history. The last time the Flames won 40 games in a season was in 2019, when they tied the school record with a 43-21 mark. Liberty catcher Kyle Hvidsten, left fielder Nick Barone and center fielder Josh Campos each hit a home run in the contest. Barone and Campos each hit a home run in the seventh inning as the Flames, leading 2-0, scored four runs to quell any thoughts of a La Tech comeback.
Barone led Liberty with two hits. The CUSA All-Conference first team outfielder’s home run was his team-leading 12th of the season. Hvidsten’s home run was his sixth of the season, while Campos belted a three-run round-tripper, his 11th of the season. Four Liberty pitchers combined to pitch the Flames’ first shutout since March 29 in a 13-0 home win over FIU. Liberty wins Pool B with a 2-0 and advances to tomorrow’s semifinals. Louisiana Tech completes Pool B play at 0-2 and is eliminated from the 2026 CUSA Championship. The Bulldogs finish the year with a 38-25 overall record.
Box Score Highlights
Records: Louisiana Tech (38-25); Liberty (40-18);
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. (Mickey Dunn Stadium)
WP:Jake Potts (3-2) | LP: Hunter Rowan (6-4)
Scoring Summary
3rd – LIBERTY – Scilley scores on a wild pitch, 1-0
5th – LIBERTY – Hvidsten homers, 2-0
7th – LIBERTY – Barone homers, 3-0
7th – LIBERTY – Campos homers, Scilly and Swofford score, 6-0
Notable Numbers
– Liberty edged Louisiana Tech in hits, 7-6. The Bulldogs committed the game’s lone error.
– The Flames left three men on base. The Bulldogs left 10.
– Right-hander Jake Potts records the win. He finished the game for the Flames, not allowing a run over the final 3 1/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two.
– La Tech starting pitcher Hudson Rowan takes the loss. He gave up four runs on five hits over six innings. He struck out seven and walked two.
– Second baseman Colton Coates led all batters in the game with three hits.
Beyond the Box Score
– The 2026 Flames become the sixth team in program history to win 40 or more games in a season. The last to do it, the 2019 team, tied the school record with 43 wins. The 1983 (40), 2010 (43), 2013 (41) and 2014 (41) teams also won 40 or more games in a season.
– With his two hits, Barone collects his 20th multi-hit game of the season.
– Aydan Decker-Petty has not allowed a run over his last six appearances. The right-hander has pitched 10 scoreless innings of relief during the span. The last time he allowed a run was on April 10 against Jacksonville State.
– Potts inherited a bases-loaded two-out jam in the seventh inning and did not allow a run to score. The right-hander has allowed 6 of 21 inherited runners to score this season
Up Next
Liberty advances to tomorrow’s semifinals and will play the No. 3-seeded Missouri State Bears. The winner will advance to the CUSA Baseball Championship title game. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
