Western Kentucky beat Liberty 6-2 in the series opener at Worthington Field on Friday in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The No. 25 Hilltoppers (29-5, 7-3 Conference USA) jumped on the Flames (22-12, 5-5 CUSA) early with a three-run second inning before adding a couple insurance runs throughout the game while the pitching staff held Liberty to just two runs to secure the victory in game one of the series.

The Hilltoppers struck first with a three-spot in the second inning. Back-to-back RBI singles from Reid Howard and Austin Haller scored a pair before Howard stole home later in the inning.

Liberty got one back in the bottom of the frame with an RBI single to cut its deficit to 3-1.

Two more runs scored for WKU in the seventh. Camden Ross singled home a run before Kyle Hayes stole home on a perfectly executed double steal.

The Flames used another RBI single to plate another in the bottom of the inning to make the score 5-2.

Ryan Wideman hit a double off the wall in the top of the eighth to grow the Hilltopper lead to four and cap the scoring to make the final tally 6-2.

• WKU improved to 4-0 all-time against Liberty. This marks the first Hilltopper win against Liberty in Lynchburg.

Jack Bennett got the start on the mound for the Hilltoppers and earned his sixth win of the season to improve to a perfect 6-0. The right-hander allowed just one run in 5 1/3 innings of work while collecting five strikeouts.

Lucas Hartman picked up his second save of the season as the only Hilltopper arm to see action out of the bullpen. The Bradenton, Florida, native surrendered one run on four hits and two walks while striking out three batters in 3 2/3 frames.

WKU scored six runs on 14 hits and two walks with four RBI.

Haller produced the first four-hit game of his career in a 4-for-4 outing with an RBI.

Carlos Vasquez had a three-hit night going 3-for-5 with a run scored.

Wideman had an RBI in a 2-for-5 performance with a double and a run scored. Wideman’s double was the only extra-base hit of the night on either side.

Ross had an RBI, a run scored, a walk and a stolen base. Howard added an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. Hayes had a stolen base and scored one run.

Two of the four Hilltopper steals came at home plate.

Ethan Lizama picked up his fifth outfield assist of the season and 12th of his career on a pivotal double play in the seventh.

WKU and Liberty will continue the series Saturday at Worthington Field. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. CT.