Xavier Baseball Set to Take on Liberty Flames in Three-Game Series
Xavier baseball is gearing up for an exciting weekend as they head to Lynchburg, Virginia, to face off against the Liberty Flames in a three-game series. The action kicks off on Friday, February 21 at 2:00 p.m., with the first game moved up from the original start time of 4:00 p.m. The series continues on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and wraps up on Sunday with a 1:00 p.m. first pitch. All three games will be available for listening on radio broadcast through LibertyFlames.com.
Xavier holds a 2-2 record for the season following their participation in the Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic in Surprise, Arizona, last weekend. The Musketeers secured wins against then-No. 25 Indiana and UNLV, while facing defeats against No. 7 Oregon State in two outings.
Weekend Schedule
Game One:
Friday, February 21 – 2 p.m. – Jake Hooker (XU) vs. Josh Swink (LU)
Game Two:
Saturday, February 22 – 2 p.m. – Ryan Piech (XU) vs. Ben Blair (LU)
Game Three:
Sunday, February 23 – 1 p.m. – TBD (XU) vs. Dylan Mathiesen (LU)
Liberty Flames Overview
The Liberty Flames are off to a strong start with a 4-0 record, after sweeping fellow BIG EAST member St. John’s in Lynchburg and securing a win against No. 12 NC State midweek. Liberty was predicted to finish fifth in the CUSA Preseason Poll, with RHP Ben Blair earning a spot on the League’s Preseason All-Conference Team. Last season, Liberty posted a 24-34 overall record and an 11-13 Conference USA play record. The Flames made a decent run in the CUSA Tournament but were eliminated just one game away from the Championships series by top seed La Tech. Xavier has faced the Flames once in history, resulting in an 8-4 loss back in March 1996.
Musketeer Pitching Staff
Xavier’s pitching staff has shown promise early in the season, with standout performances from Jake Hooker, Ryan Piech, Joseph Chavana, Ashton Chronister, Trevor Geddes, Logan Schmidt, Ben Weber, Jack Nobe, Eli Bridenthal, Luke Hoskins, Jack DeTienne, and Jon Wylie. Each pitcher has brought their strengths to the mound, contributing to the team’s overall performance and success on the field.
The Lineup
The Musketeers’ lineup features talented players such as Carter Hendrickson, Aedan Anderson, Isaac Wachsmann, Connor Misch, Clay Burdette, Landon Mensik, Eddie Peters, Jason Jelic, Jake Lambdin, Hayden Christiansen, Donavan Canterberry, Joe Karpierz, Tyler Stack, and Nolan Tucker. These players have shown impressive skills at bat and in the field, contributing to Xavier’s offensive and defensive strategies.
Weekly Awards
Carter Hendrickson received well-deserved recognition on the first BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll after an outstanding performance in the opening weekend. His standout plays and contributions to the team earned him a spot among the top performers for the week, showcasing his capabilities on the field.
Upcoming Opponents
After facing the Liberty Flames, Xavier will travel to Bloomington, Indiana, for a game against Indiana on Tuesday, February 25. The Hoosiers, ranked No. 25 in preseason polls, are looking to bounce back after a winless start at the Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic. Xavier will then head to Palo Alto, California, for a four-game series against Stanford, commencing on Friday, February 28.
Returning Musketeers
Xavier boasts a solid roster with several returning players who have demonstrated their skills in past seasons. Players like Aedan Anderson, Connor Misch, Luke Hammond, Isaac Wachsmann, Carter Hendrickson, Hayden Christiansen, Jake Lambdin, and Tyler Stack have proven themselves as valuable assets to the team, contributing to Xavier’s success on the field.
Xavier Bullpen
The Musketeers’ bullpen includes a talented group of pitchers who are ready to take on the competition. Players like Jake Hooker, Nick Boyle, Luke Hoskins, Logan Schmidt, and Jake Lambdin bring experience and skill to the pitching rotation, adding depth and versatility to the team’s pitching lineup.
Xavier Baseball on FloCollege
Select Xavier Baseball home games and BIG EAST Digital Network games will be available for viewing on FloCollege Presented by Invesco QQQ. Fans can sign up for access to these games through the Xavier Athletics FloSports Account, offering special pricing and exclusive coverage of the team’s games.
2025 Schedule and Preseason All-BIG EAST Selections
Xavier’s upcoming schedule features matchups against teams from various conferences, including powerhouse programs like Oregon State, Tennessee, LSU, and Vanderbilt. The Musketeers will face tough competition throughout the season, with a lineup of opponents that includes NCAA Tournament participants and top-ranked teams. Additionally, Xavier has several players who earned Preseason All-BIG EAST honors, highlighting their talent and contributions to the team’s success.
BIG EAST Success and Hosting the League Tournament
Xavier has a strong track record in the BIG EAST, consistently performing well and earning postseason berths over the years. The Musketeers have made multiple appearances in the BIG EAST Tournament, showcasing their competitiveness and ability to contend with top teams in the conference. This year, Xavier will co-host the BIG EAST Baseball Championship at Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio, during Memorial Day Weekend, adding to the excitement surrounding the team’s prospects for the season.
BIG EAST Preseason Poll
The BIG EAST Preseason Poll has UConn leading the pack, with Xavier close behind in second place. The competition is fierce in the conference, with teams vying for the top spots and aiming to make their mark in the upcoming season. Preseason honorees like Luke Hammond, Connor Misch, and Aedan Anderson have been recognized for their talents and potential impact on the field, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead.
In conclusion, Xavier baseball is gearing up for an action-packed season, with a talented roster and a competitive schedule ahead. With strong performances from returning players, promising newcomers, and a dedicated coaching staff, the Musketeers are poised for success in the BIG EAST and beyond. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups, standout plays, and memorable moments as Xavier takes on top competition throughout the season.