Baseball

West Virginia Baseball Crushes Troy, Eyes Championship Path

Mountaineers' 12-0 shutout sets up showdown with North Carolina

The No. 16 West Virginia University baseball squad delivered a commanding 12‑0 victory over Troy in the College World Series, a performance that propelled the Mountaineers into the next round of the tournament.

A quartet of pitchers — Dawson Montesa, Ben McDougal, Reese Bassinger and Carson Estridge — combined for a four‑hit shutout, limiting the opposition to a single digit while the offense surged ahead.

Gavin Kelly was the offensive catalyst, notching three hits and four RBIs, highlighted by a three‑run home run that stretched the lead early in the game.

Armani Guzman reached base four times, drove in two runs and contributed three stolen bases, while Matt Ineich also touched home twice and added a stolen base of his own.

A Record‑Setting Night

The Mountaineers' seven stolen bases matched a College World Series single‑game record, underscoring the team's aggressive baserunning and adding another layer to the night's dominance.

Looking ahead, West Virginia is scheduled to meet No. 5 North Carolina on Wednesday at 2 p.m., a matchup that could set up a potential championship series showdown later in the week.

If the Mountaineers prevail, they will meet the Tar Heels again on Thursday, a rematch that could decide the ultimate title contender for this year's tournament.

The team's recent surge reflects a blend of disciplined pitching, timely hitting and a willingness to take extra bases, traits that have defined their climb through the bracket.

Coach Matthew Graveline and the supporting staff have emphasized fundamentals, and the players have responded with performances that echo the program's storied history.

Looking Forward

The upcoming contest against North Carolina promises a clash of contrasting styles, with the Tar Heels known for their power hitting and the Mountaineers relying on precision and speed.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether West Virginia can translate its recent momentum into a championship run, a narrative that could further cement the university's resurgence in collegiate baseball.

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