A Historic Debut in Omaha
On June 12, the West Virginia University baseball team will step onto the hallowed grounds of Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, for its first ever appearance at the College World Series. The Mountaineers, seeded sixteenth nationally, open the tournament against Troy in a matchup that marks a milestone for the program.
WVU arrives with a stellar 45‑15 record, having finished second in the Big 12 with a 21‑9 conference slate. The team’s journey to Omaha follows a dominant season that showcased both offensive firepower and a deep pitching rotation.
Troy’s Road to Omaha
Troy, also making its inaugural CWS trip, earned the berth by winning the Gainesville Regional and then sweeping Little Rock in the Super Regional. The Trojans bring a 38‑30 overall record and will be led by catcher Jimmy Janicki, the Sun Belt Player of the Year, who hits .341 with 19 home runs and 85 RBI, as well as right‑hander Benjamin Stubbs, who has thrown 91.1 innings with a 4.93 ERA and a 6‑3 record.
Pitching Powerhouse
The Mountaineers’ rotation is anchored by redshirt junior Maxx Yehl, the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, who boasts a 2.10 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 90 innings. Complementing him are sophomore Chansen Cole, a 10‑1 pitcher with a 2.85 ERA and 106 strikeouts, and graduate student Ian Korn, who leads the conference with a 1.05 WHIP and a 3.07 ERA.
Batting Standouts
At the plate, sophomore catcher Gavin Kelly leads the squad with a .384 average, 17 home runs, 57 RBI and 66 runs scored, while junior Armani Guzman tops the Big 12 with 38 stolen bases.
Broadcast and Radio Coverage
The game will be televised on ESPN, with a lineup that includes Mike Monaco, Eduardo Perez, Ben McDonald and Taylor McGregor on the call. Listeners can also tune in via the Mountaineers Sports Network, where Andrew Caridi and Jake Weghorst will provide play‑by‑play on the Varsity Network, the WVU Gameday App and WVUSports.com.
Bracket Context
Both teams sit on opposite sides of the bracket, joining North Carolina and Ole Miss in a region that promises high stakes early in the tournament. The full field also features Mississippi, Little Rock and other regional champions, setting the stage for a competitive opening day.
Looking Ahead
As the Mountaineers prepare for their historic debut, the blend of elite pitching, potent hitting and seasoned leadership creates a compelling narrative. Fans across the country will be watching to see whether West Virginia can translate its regular‑season success into a breakthrough performance on the national stage.