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WVU baseball: Pitching duel goes to Mountaineers

By Matthew Peaslee

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 27: Baseballs sit in the well during the Champioinship Game of the Little League World Series between Japan and the Southwest Team from Texas at Lamade Stadium on August 27, 2017 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA - AUGUST 27: Baseballs sit in the well during the Champioinship Game of the Little League World Series between Japan and the Southwest Team from Texas at Lamade Stadium on August 27, 2017 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The WVU baseball team has earned a statement victory with a shutout against No. 7 Texas Tech on Thursday.

The Mountaineers beat the Red Raiders, 1-0. This is a huge win for the program. The Mountaineers can hang with these powerhouse programs in the Big 12 Conference. To win in this fashion shows the strength of the WVU baseball pitching staff and defense.

The pitching was paced by Isaiah Kerns, Jackson Wolf and Shane Ennis. They were masterful in three, four and two innings of work. Against a big lineup like Texas Tech has, these three pitchers didn’t back down and went after hitters effectively.

Kerns had his start pushed back a day as he was supposed to go against Pitt on Tuesday but that was rained out in Morgantown. Deep in the heart of Texas, the weather was much more cooperative for the Mountaineers.

Kerns and Wolf only allowed two hits and two walks each. Ennis closed the door for his first save of the season. He only allowed one baserunner and struck out a batter.

At the plate, the Mountaineers had just three hits. Darius Hill, Chase Illig had singles and Ivan Gonzalez had a double. Hill plated the only run of the game in the sixth inning.

Even though this was a great game for the Mountaineers, there needs to be a major wake up call for the offense. These one-run games won’t always turn out in West Virginia’s favor so there needs to be hitters who can back up the pitchers.

There are still two games remaining against the Red Raiders this weekend. The win on Thursday was also the first Big 12 victory for the Mountaineers this season as Oklahoma swept the WVU baseball team last week.

Next: Trevor Kiss named Mountaineer mascot

The first Big 12 home game for the WVU baseball team is April 13 against Oklahoma State. West Virginia now has a record of 10-12 on the year.

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