On Sunday, May 31, the West Virginia Mountaineers baseball team stepped onto the diamond against the Kentucky Wildcats in a clash that would determine home‑field advantage in the Super Regional. The Mountaineers struck first, scoring three runs in the opening inning and chasing Kentucky starter Ben Cleaver early in the contest.
A Battle of Bullpens
Despite a depleted relief corps, West Virginia managed to protect its early lead for much of the game. Starting pitcher David Hagen lasted only two innings, surrendering a series of errors that allowed Kentucky to narrow the gap. The Wildcats leaned on reliever Chase Alderman, who tossed 2.1 scoreless innings to stabilize the contest.
West Virginia’s lineup continued to generate chances, with Tyler Bell delivering a homer that sparked a three‑run rally and put Kentucky ahead 7‑6. The Mountaineers answered with a strategic mix of walks and solid hitting, as Paul Schoenfeld doubled and Sean Smith drew a walk to set the stage for the sixth inning.
The Ninth‑Inning Turnaround
In the final frame, Kentucky reliever Jackson Soucie walked Armani Guzman, allowing a run to score. Gavin Kelly followed with a sacrifice fly that cut the deficit to one, and Guzman’s timely hit brought the tying run across the plate. The decisive moment arrived when Schoenfeld launched a two‑run homer, giving West Virginia an 11‑9 lead that would prove enough.
Closer Ben McDougal sealed the victory, striking out six batters over five innings and preserving the narrow margin. The win not only advances the Mountaineers to the next round but also guarantees home‑field advantage for the upcoming Monday showdown.
Looking Ahead
The Mountaineers will meet Kentucky again on Monday, June 1, with the stakes higher than ever. Home‑field advantage, momentum, and a chance at the Super Regional title now rest on a single game, promising another electric atmosphere in Morgantown.