The West Virginia University baseball team overcame an eight-run deficit to defeat No. 23 UCF, 11-10, on Apr. 4 at Kendrick Family Ballpark in Morgantown. The Mountaineers improved their record to 21-6 overall and 8-3 in the Big 12 Conference, while the Knights fell to 19-9 and 9-2 in conference play.
The game was highlighted by a late comeback from West Virginia, which scored two runs in the sixth inning, three in the seventh, and four more in the ninth inning. Senior Matthew Graveline delivered a two-out, two-run walk-off single after coming off the bench in the eighth inning for his second hit of the game.
Junior Armani Guzman went three-for-five with three runs scored for West Virginia. Sophomore Gavin Kelly contributed two hits, two runs batted in (RBI), and scored twice himself. Sophomore Matt Ineich and graduate student Sean Smith each hit home runs during the contest.
Senior Carson Estridge earned the win on the mound by pitching one-and-two-thirds scoreless innings at the end of the game. Freshman JT Huether also provided key relief with one-and-one-third scoreless innings that helped keep West Virginia within reach of UCF’s lead.
After taking an early lead due to a UCF error, West Virginia trailed as UCF built up a sizable advantage through strong offensive performances over several innings. However, Ineich’s sixth-inning home run began shifting momentum back toward West Virginia before Guzman and Kelly drove in additional runs late.
The teams are scheduled to meet again tomorrow for a deciding rubber match with first pitch set for noon.
