WVU Baseball Can’t Complete Comeback at WKU, Falling 4-3

WVU Baseball couldn’t complete a three-run comeback against Western Kentucky on Sunday, following 4-3 to split their series with the Hilltoppers.

The Mountaineers’ bullpen steadied the ship after early pitching woes spotted the Hilltoppers a 4-1 lead, giving the team’s bats a chance to get back in the game. West Virginia’s offense made it most of the way back, but they couldn’t find a way to score the tying run.

Mountaineers’ starter Carson Estridge allowed two base runners in the first inning, but worked consecutive strikeouts to keep the Hilltoppers off the board.

First baseman Kyle West opened the scoring, hitting the first pitch of the second inning over the right field fence for a 1-0 lead.

Estridge couldn’t pull another Houdini in the bottom of the frame, as he allowed the first two batters to reach on a hit by pitch and a walk. A bunt moved them over, then a single put the Mountaineers behind 2-1. Hilltoppers center fielder Dylan O’Connell followed that with a two-run homer, prompting head coach Randy Mazey to call David Hagaman in from the bullpen. 

West drew a two out walk in the fourth, taking second on a passed ball before designated hitter Aaron Jamison recorded his first career hit to single him home.

Missed Opportunities for the Mountaineers

Jamison walked and Armani Guzman singled to start the seventh inning. Consecutive groundouts brought Jamison across home plate, but the Mountaineers couldn’t score the tying run.

Ben Lumsden, Ellis Garcia and Tyler Cox singled the bases loaded with no outs in the eighth, but again the decisive hit eluded West Virginia, as two strikeouts and a fly out sent them to the dugout empty handed.

Hilltoppers’ reliever Mason Burns retired the side in the ninth inning to complete a seven out save.

WVU Baseball falls to 7-6 on the season. Up next is their Big 12 home opener against the BYU Cougars, with first pitch slated for 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 7. The Mountaineers also have a potential home game on the schedule for Tuesday, March 5, but they haven’t found an opponent for it yet.