WVU’s Offense Stifled as Marshall Wins In-State Matchup 7-1

West Virginia had just two hits and scored a single run as the Mountaineer baseball team dropped a weekday matchup with in-state foe Marshall 7-1 Tuesday afternoon.

West Virginia (8-8) did not record its first hit until the sixth inning in Huntington as Marshall (4-7) scored multiple runs in the third and fourth innings en route to the 7-1 win.

Marshall starter Ryan Capuano picked up the win, pitching 3 1/3 hitless innings with two strikeouts and three walks. For WVU, starter Tyler Strechay took the loss, giving up four earned runs in three innings of work with four strikeouts. Jake Carr continued a tough start to the season, allowing three runs in two innings out of WVU’s bullpen.

Marshall shortstop Geordon Blanton hit a leadoff home run to give the Herd an early 1-0 lead. Catcher Kyle Schaefer put a crooked number on the board in the bottom of the third inning with a three-run home run to left field that put Marshall up 4-0.

WVU’s only run came in the top of the eighth when second baseman Tyler Doanes singled home right fielder Braden Barry, who had walked. At that point, however, Marshall already had the game in hand with a 7-1 lead.

Marshall and West Virginia are scheduled to play again this season, this time in Morgantown at Mon County Ballpark on April 14. WVU starts Big 12 play this weekend, with a three-game home series against the Kansas Jayhawks.

Marshall will begin Conference USA play with a four-game weekend series at Florida Atlantic.