West Virginia baseball keeps finding different ways to stay undefeated so far in 2025.
The Mountaineers got themselves locked into a shootout where they trailed early in Game Two of a four-contest series against Queens (NC) on Saturday. But the WVU offense pushed across 11 runs on a total of 13 hits and drew eights walks from the Royals' pitching staff to be able to walk away with an 11-7 win.
🎶 CUE COUNTRY ROADS!!#HailWV pic.twitter.com/0yOshM95vj
— WVU Baseball (@WVUBaseball) March 1, 2025
Staying undefeated, the Mountaineers continue to explode offensively
A two-out rally in the top of the second that scored five runs helped bolster the WVU lineup in the shootout against Queens. The offense needed to have a great day, as Mountaineer starting pitcher Robby Porco only recorded one out in his start.
Several WVU hitters saw great days at the plate during Game Two on Saturday. One of those hitters, senior outfielder and West Virginia native Jace “Rhino” Rinehart, had his best game in a WVU uniform on Saturday. Rinehart went 3-4 at the plate with three RBIs and a walk.
Complementing “Rhino” was starting shortstop Brodie Kresser, who had himself a sensational day at the plate. On Saturday, Kresser started the game 3-3 before finally being retired in the top of the fifth. Kresser finished with a 3-5 day at the plate with two RBIs, two runs scored, and one walk. He has now reached base eight times in as many attempts in his last eight plate appearances.
Sophomore outfielder Armani Guzman hit his first collegiate home run in the top of the third. Guzman posted a final line 2-5 with two RBIs and one run scored. According to the WVU Baseball Analytics X account, the Guzman home run was measured with a 107 mph exit velocity and traveled 413 feet. Sam White also extended his hit streak to seven games for the Mountaineers.
Relievers Chase Meyer and Carson Estridge continued to shine as bright spots in the WVU bullpen. Meyer entered the game in the bottom of the first and kept the Mountaineers in the game. Meyer earned the win, as he completed three innings of work, allowing three earned runs, three hits, two walks, and three strikeouts.
Carson Estridge continues to be a player first-year head coach Steve Sabins relies on in a long relief effort. Estridge earned his first save of the season in the victory, as the junior pitcher finished with 5.2 innings pitched, zero runs allowed, three hits, zero walks, and two strikeouts.
WVU will look to win their third series in as many weekends when they take on Queens for Game Three on Sunday. Starting on the rubber for the Mountaineers will be junior pitcher and Preseason All-American Gavin Van Kempen. Game Three will start at 2 p.m. on Sunday.