The Liberty Flames secured a 7-5 victory over the Missouri State Bears in the 2026 CUSA Baseball Championship, advancing to the program’s inaugural championship game.
Relief arms shut down the Bears
Relievers Tyler August and Cooper Harrington combined to dominate the final innings, with August striking out six batters and walking just one, while Harrington recorded his 13th save of the season.
Offensively, center fielder Josh Campos delivered two hits, highlighted by an RBI triple that pushed the lead, and scored a run, while third baseman Jordan Jaffe added two hits and a run of his own.
A rain‑delayed finish
The game, originally suspended on Friday night because of lightning, was completed early Saturday morning, adding a dramatic backdrop to the Flames’ triumph.
Liberty finished the season at 41‑18, while Missouri State fell to 34‑19, underscoring the stakes of the matchup and the impact of the win on both programs.
Looking ahead to the title showdown
The Flames will now meet the top‑seeded Jax State Gamecocks in the championship series, a contest that could further cement Liberty’s rapid rise in collegiate baseball.
Starting pitcher Bradley Zayac, who entered the game with a perfect 9‑0 record, will anchor the rotation as the team prepares for the final, adding a layer of optimism to the upcoming clash.
The atmosphere in Kennesaw was electric, with fans from across the Southeast gathering to witness a historic moment for the Flames, whose journey from a modest program to championship contender has been marked by steady improvement and clutch performances.