The West Virginia Mountaineers must complete a Sunday sweep in their second game of the afternoon to stay alive in the NCAA Tournament.
After losing to Kentucky on Saturday, the Mountaineers fell to the loser's bracket in the Morgantown Regional, needing to win three games in a row to advance to their third straight Super Regional. West Virginia got off on the right foot to make that happen as they defeated Wake Forest in a 10-5 win on Sunday afternoon, but now a rematch with Kentucky awaits. And after three games played this weekend already, the pitching staff is getting short-handed.
For the game against Kentucky on Sunday night, the Mountaineers will turn to sophomore David Hagan on the mound. Hagan will get his second start of the season when he takes the mound to face the Wildcats.
Pitcher David Hagen will start for WVU, according to Statbroadcast
— Spencer Ripchik (@RipchikSpencer) May 31, 2026
Hagan has been solid in limited action for the Mountaineers this season. He holds a 4-1 win-loss record for the team, pitching 27 innings on the year and recording 20 strikeouts and 18 walks. He has allowed 16 hits and 12 runs from opposing batters, including 11 earned runs. But now, he is set to face his tallest task yet in the old-gold-and-blue. Ben Cleaver, who is 2-3 this season with no starts, will start on the mound for Kentucky.
If Hagan and whoever contributes in relief for the Mountaineers can help pull out an improbable victory, there could be some assistance waiting for the final showdown between the two teams on Monday, as head coach Steve Sabins said after the Wake Forest win that Max Yehl, who left Saturday's game early with an injury, could be available on Monday.
The matchup between Kentucky and West Virginia will start a 5 P.M. EST on Sunday, and be broadcast on the SEC Network.
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