The West Virginia Mountaineers took the field for their first-ever appearance in the College World Series on Friday, and fans who were expecting West Virginia standout Armani Guzman to make some big plays for his team were not left disappointed.
Guzman proved a star for the Mountaineers this postseason, walking off the Kentucky Wildcats for the second straight year to advance to the NCAA Super Regionals, and then recording four hits and three RBIs in two games during the Morgantown Super Regional as the Mountaineers advanced to the 'Greatest Show on Dirt.' So fans were eager to see what he would do on his biggest stage yet.
Armani Guzman makes history in Game 1 at College World Series
Guzman was on third base in the first inning, with Troy already having recorded two outs. Sensing that he might end up stranded and eager to get the Mountaineers their first run of the day, Guzman made a risky decision. Dancing down the third base line, he waited until Troy's pitcher shifted his gaze, and then bolted for the plate.
The Trojans got the ball to home plate, but were not quick enough as Guzman slid head-first into the plate and was called safe to score the team's first run of the affair. With the steal, Guzman moved into first place in program history for single-season bases stolen with 39, and became the first player at the College World Series since 2000 to record a straight steal of home.
ARMANI GUZMAN STEALS HOME FOR THE FIRST RUN OF THE #MCWS 😱
— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) June 12, 2026
First player to have a straight steal of home in Omaha since 2000!!!@mani_ftn x @WVUBaseball pic.twitter.com/8RPtGCiJSi
Guzman has been a star for the Mountaineers for multiple seasons now, and he will be dearly missed if he leaves for the MLB Draft following this season. But before that decision is made, it's clear Guzman has some business to finish in Omaha – and he's willing to get risky to get there.
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