The West Virginia Mountaineers closed out the regular season this past weekend with a series victory over the TCU Horned Frogs, securing a second-place finish in the Big 12 the second seed and a double-bye in the conference tournament that is approaching this week.
But despite being ranked No. 9 in the country and finishing the regular season with a 37-13 record, it appears that the Mountaineers may still be right on the fringe of the top 16 seeds that will be selected to host an NCAA regional.
The Mountaineers had been considered a lock as a host earlier in the season before a rough stretch in April, and while their strong finish to the season should be enough to secure a host seed, there is still an ongoing debate as to whether West Virginia will earn the distinction, as they sit just 19th in the RPI rankings. But head coach Steve Sabins doesn't think there is any argument to be had.
Steve Sabins stumps for WVU baseball as an NCAA Regional host
Sabins was asked about whether or not the Mountaineers have done enough to be a NCAA Regional host after the final regular season series, and he did not sugarcoat his words – he made it clear he thinks the Mountaineers have proven they've earned that honor.
“I find it really hard to believe that in one of the top three conferences in the country, with no doubt, and a team that set a program record for conference wins with 21, a team that finishes second in the league, a team that has the best pitcher in one of the top three leagues in the country, is not hosting," Sabins said.
"We have won every series but two and have multiple sweeps in a Power Four league that’s well-respected with good strength of schedule. And the team that won the league, we swept on the road. So, if that’s not a hosting resume, then I have no idea what is. We have absolutely earned that up to this point, and this place should be rocking, sold out, packed, and be one of the best venues in the country.”
If the Mountaineers do manage to secure a host seed, it will be a massive benefit to their NCAA Tournament chances, and drastically increased the potential to bring a Super Regional to Morgantown. It would also mark the first time the program has hosted an NCAA Regional since 2019.
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