Liberty Flames Rally to Stun No. 12 NC State in 9-8 Victory

CINCINNATI, OH – Liberty University baseball stunned No. 12 NC State on Tuesday evening, rallying for a 9-8 comeback victory at Worthington Field. The Flames scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to overcome an 8-5 deficit and hand the Wolfpack their first loss of the 2025 season.

The matchup marked the first meeting between the two programs since 2009, with NC State coming off a successful 2024 season that concluded with a College World Series appearance.

Entering the final inning, Liberty fell behind as NC State had gained momentum with a four-run inning in the eighth. However, the Flames answered back, demonstrating resilience under pressure. Tanner Marsh opened the inning with a walk, quickly followed by another walk to Nick Barone, placing two runners on base.

Camden Troyer’s fielding error set up Liberty’s scoring opportunity, allowing Marsh to cross the plate. Then, Landon Scilley grounded out, knocking in Barone to trim the deficit to 8-7.

As the bases loaded, Michael Robertson stepped up and delivered a decisive double to right field, scoring Easton Swofford and Troyer, giving Liberty a 9-8 lead.

Garrett McLaughlin took the mound to secure the victory, allowing just a single walk while striking out the final NC State batter to seal the game. McLaughlin pitched two innings with two hits and one earned run, while Tyler August contributed two-scoreless innings prior.

Dylan Mathiesen started the game for Liberty, giving up one run on two hits in three innings, with impressive strikeout numbers totaling five for the outing.

“We showed great fight and determined effort. The guys kept their composure and executed when needed,” said Liberty head coach, emphasizing the significance of the win for the team’s confidence.

Liberty’s offense began strong with a double from Jaxson Sorenson in the first inning that knocked in Riley DeCandido, who led the team going three for six at the plate.

After NC State tied the game 1-1 in the second, Liberty surged with four runs in the third inning. However, NC State retaliated, tying the game in the fourth and taking a brief lead in the fifth.

The Flames remain undefeated in their 2025 season following victories over St. John’s and are set to continue their campaign with a three-game series against Xavier at Liberty Baseball Stadium beginning Friday at 4 p.m.