BOX SCORE (PDF)

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel baseball fell in the Charleston Crab House Challenge finale, 9-1 against Liberty on Sunday.

Will Abbott made his first career start on the afternoon, throwing three innings with six strikeouts. The freshman allowed just one run on two hits and two walks in a strong debut.

After giving up the first run of the game in the second, The Citadel (0-3) evened the score in the third when Bryce Leasure drew a bases loaded walk to bring home Shy Phillips. The Bulldogs would be held scoreless over the next six innings, however, leaving 12 total runners on base.

Will Pillsbury and Jonathan Sabo made their first appearances on the mound as members of The Citadel. The Bulldogs racked up 11 strikeouts, including two from Dylan Spence out of the 'pen.

Despite being held to four hits, the Bulldogs had runners on base often, with four walks and four hit batters. Taylor Cothran, Barrett Charpia, J.D. Davis and Phillips each finished with a hit.

Liberty's (2-1) Cam Locklear hit two home runs, finishing with three RBI. Evan Mitchell earned the win in relief with seven strikeouts over 3.2 innings.

The Citadel returns to action on Feb. 24, hosting a three-game series against Delaware State at Joe Riley Park.

Scoring Summary
Top 2nd – Liberty 1, The Citadel 0: Cam Locklear scored on a solo home run to left field with one out.
Bottom 3rd – Liberty 1, The Citadel 1: Shy Phillips scored on a bases loaded walk by Bryce Leasure with two outs.
Top 4th – Liberty 3, The Citadel 1: Matt Allen scored on a two-run home run to right field by Cam Locklear with no outs.
Top 4th – Liberty 4, The Citadel 1: Andrew Kowalo scored on a double to right field by D.J. Artis with two outs.
Top 5th – Liberty 5, The Citadel 1: Will Shepard scored from third on a fielding error by Ben Peden off the bat of Jonathan Embry with two outs.
Top 6th – Liberty 6, The Citadel 1: D.J. Artis scored on a double to left center by Will Shepherd with one out.
Top 6th – Liberty 7, The Citadel 1: Jake Barbee scored from third on a wild pitch.
Top 6th – Liberty 8, The Citadel 1: Will Shepherd scored on a ground out to second base by Matt Allen with one out.
Top 9th – Liberty 9, The Citadel 1: Eric Grabowski scored on a hit by pitch by Will Shepherd with two outs.

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