The Mountaineers' offense ignited early on Friday night, as Gavin Kelly launched a two‑run homer in the third inning that shifted momentum against Kentucky.
Kentucky's early blitz
The Wildcats answered with a four‑run opening burst and added two more in the second, building a 6‑2 lead that seemed secure.
West Virginia refused to fold. After a quiet fourth, the Mountaineers plated two more runs, capitalizing on five hits and a critical error to narrow the gap.
A regional opener remembered
The performance capped a strong start to the tournament for West Virginia, who had opened with a 10‑1 victory over Binghamton just days earlier.