By Kyle Lutz, Sports Editor

Even though it was only February, baseball has started on the hilltop.

The West Liberty baseball team traveled to CONSOL Energy Park to take on California, Pa. for their first game this year.

In a nine inning game, the Hilltoppers managed to come from behind and defeat the Vulcans by a final score of 7-6.

The Hilltoppers found themselves in a 6-3 hole going into the top of the eighth inning.

Things did not look good for the Hilltoppers as they faced a quick two outs.

West Liberty then came to life as they loaded the bases.

With freshman Hayden Mobley at bat, the Vulcans’ pitcher threw a wild ball that got behind the catcher.

The wild throw gave West Liberty their first run of the inning.

With the passed ball, the Hilltoppers had two more runners in scoring position.

With two strikes on him, Mobley was able to come back and hit a single that scored two runs which tied the game at six.

Scott Castilow put Mobley in scoring position as he managed to get a single.

Mike Johnson was able to send Mobley home which proved to be the game winner.

In the field, the Hilltoppers seemed to give most of their pitchers a go at it.

Eight different West Liberty pitchers saw the field as none of them went with more than five outs.

Kelly Emmerling got West Liberty’s first win of the season as he relieved fellow pitcher Mike Roach, who came up with the save.

West Liberty opened WVIAC play as they traveled to Aldderson-Broaddus  March 3 in a double header.

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