The No. 16 West Virginia University baseball team opened the Men's College World Series with a 7-5 victory over Troy on Tuesday night, securing a spot in the winner's bracket in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Mountaineers struck first when junior Armani Guzman stole home in the opening inning, giving WVU an early 1-0 lead.
Troy answered in the second frame, tying the game before Tyrus Hall delivered a two-run double that put West Virginia back on top.
Key Performances
Hall finished the game 2-for-3 with four runs batted in, highlighted by a two-run single in the eighth that capped a rally and gave the Mountaineers a 7-5 edge.
Graduate student Ian Korn provided the bulk of the pitching work, tossing six innings of one-run baseball and striking out four batters.
Sean Smith contributed a timely solo homer in the third inning that tied the contest, while also adding two hits to his line.
Brodie Kresser chipped in two hits and two runs scored, supporting the offense.
Starter Chansen Cole lasted just 2.2 innings, surrendering four runs before being pulled.
Closer Ben McDougal entered in the ninth and induced a pop‑up to seal the win.
With the victory, West Virginia will meet either No. 5 North Carolina or Ole Miss on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET in the next winner's bracket matchup.