The West Virginia University (WVU) baseball team made a strong statement last week, going 3-1 and earning a return to the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll at No. 25. This marks a well-earned comeback for the Mountaineers, who continue to climb the rankings in multiple national polls.
In addition to their placement in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, West Virginia held steady at No. 23 in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) rankings. They also made a significant leap in Perfect Game’s poll, moving up five spots to No. 11. However, D1Baseball has yet to rank the Mountaineers, and Baseball America left them out of its rankings for the second consecutive week.
Despite the mixed rankings, West Virginia’s recent performances indicate a team hitting its stride. Their latest results showcase their ability to dominate offensively while demonstrating resilience against tough opponents.
Mountaineers Dominate in Win Over Marshall
West Virginia kicked off its week in dominant fashion, shutting out Marshall 7-0.
Redshirt junior Chase Swain played a key role, launching his second home run of the season while driving in two runs. Meanwhile, junior Skylar King contributed two RBIs, helping the Mountaineers cruise to victory. The pitching staff kept Marshall’s bats silent, setting the tone for the week ahead.
WVU Battles BYU in High-Scoring Big 12 Series
After their convincing win over Marshall, the Mountaineers hit the road for a three-game Big 12 Conference series against BYU in Provo, Utah.
Game 1: A Tough Start
BYU carried momentum from its previous road series win over Cincinnati and overpowered WVU in the series opener, winning 14-5. The Cougars’ offense exploded early, and West Virginia couldn’t recover, leading to a lopsided loss.
Game 2: A Statement Victory
The Mountaineers bounced back in game two with an explosive 20-6 win, completely flipping the script from the previous night. West Virginia’s bats came alive, and the team showcased its ability to respond under pressure.
Game 3: A Wild Comeback
The series finale was one for the books. WVU jumped out to a commanding 7-0 lead, appearing poised for another dominant victory. However, BYU responded with an incredible 15-run outburst over two innings, taking an eight-run lead and putting the Mountaineers on the ropes.
But West Virginia refused to back down. The Mountaineers answered with 12 straight runs, flipping the game once again and securing a thrilling 19-16 victory to take the series.
Standout Performances from WVU Players
Several Mountaineers delivered big-time performances in the BYU series, proving why the team remains a contender in the Big 12.
- Jace Rinehart had a huge weekend, going 4-for-11 with a home run and eight RBIs in the two wins over BYU. The senior leads WVU with five home runs and 28 RBIs this season while batting .359—the third-best average on the team.
- Grant Hussey had a 6-for-14 weekend, scoring seven runs and adding two RBIs.
- Kyle West came up big in the series finale, going 4-for-5 with two doubles, three RBIs, and three runs. The senior holds a .339 batting average, along with two home runs, seven doubles, and 14 RBIs this season.
- Sam White, the team’s leading hitter with a .400 batting average, three home runs, and 26 RBIs, was sidelined due to a separated shoulder. There is currently no timetable for his return.
Overall, nine WVU players are hitting over .300, demonstrating the team’s depth and offensive firepower.
West Virginia’s Impressive Team Stats
As a team, West Virginia continues to rank among the best in the Big 12:
- Team Batting Average: .319 (2nd in Big 12)
- Team ERA: 3.75 (2nd in Big 12)
The Mountaineers’ ability to hit for average and maintain strong pitching performances has been key to their success so far.
National Rankings Recap
West Virginia’s strong play has them making waves in multiple national polls:
- USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll: No. 25
- NCBWA: No. 23
- Perfect Game: No. 11
- D1Baseball: Not Ranked
- Baseball America: Not Ranked
While some outlets still hesitate to rank the Mountaineers, their recent performances suggest they belong among the nation’s best.
What’s Next for WVU?
West Virginia will look to build on its momentum as it continues Big 12 play. With their high-powered offense and solid pitching staff, the Mountaineers aim to climb even higher in the rankings and prove they are a serious contender.
Their upcoming games will be crucial in determining whether they can continue their upward trajectory and cement their status as one of the top teams in college baseball.
