Box Score FLORENCE, SC – Junior first baseman Charlie Bussey III singled, doubled, and tripled, while driving in four runs to power Francis Marion University to an 18-2 win over West Liberty University, Friday afternoon (Feb. 6) in non-conference baseball action.
 
Francis Marion improves to 3-1, while the Hilltoppers were playing their season opener.  The two teams will continue their three-game series with a single game on Saturday at 1 p.m. as FMU celebrates Homecoming 2026.  Admission is free.
 
Freshman left-hander Garrett Long (1-0) earned the win in his second career start.  The Matthews, N.C., native tossed five scoreless innings, allowing only four singles while fanning 10.
 
Bussey III finished 3-for-5 and scored three times as FMU won its 16th consecutive home game.  Patriot freshman shortstop Logan Davis doubled and tripled and drove in three runs, while junior left fielder Matthew Manuel collected two hits, including a double, and three RBIs.
 
FMU junior designated hitter Ethan McAnally and senior catcher Dariel Villaran Goundis each had two hits and a run driven in.
 
Francis Marion erupted for nine runs in the bottom of the first chasing West Liberty junior right-handed starter Mason Bille (0-1).  The outburst was highlighted by a two-run single by Manuel and two-run doubles by both Davis and Bussey III.
 
A two-run homer to right field by senior outfielder Daniel Hussey capped a four-run third frame for FMU as the Patriots stretched the lead to 13-0.
 
The margin grew to 15-0 in the fourth when Bussey tripled in pinch runner Myles Proffitt and then touched home on a passed ball.
 
A three-run fifth inning completed the scoring for FMU as Davis and Bussey III had run-scoring hits.
 
West Liberty scored twice in the top of the sixth off Patriot reliever Tripp Triplett.  Junior righty Mason Huffstickler pitched three scoreless frames to end the game and earn a save in his first outing as a Patriot.  He retired nine of the 10 batters he faced.
 
Francis Marion outhit WLU 15-6 and took advantage of 11 walks issued by Hilltopper hurlers.