The West Virginia University baseball team continued its dominant stretch on Sunday, securing its 10th consecutive victory with an 11-4 win over the Houston Cougars at Schroeder Park. The Mountaineers’ win streak has propelled them to an impressive 30-4 overall record and 10-3 in Big 12 play, while Houston drops to 19-17 and 5-10 in conference action.
Sauve and West Power Mountaineers to Victory
Junior Logan Sauve was a standout in Sunday’s victory, blasting two home runs and driving in four RBIs. His first home run of the game was a 441-foot two-run shot, and his second was a two-run blast in the eighth inning. Sauve’s performance marked his second career multi-home run game, showcasing his power at the plate.
Senior Kyle West also contributed significantly, hitting a home run, a double, and tallying two RBIs. His two-run homer in the first inning got the Mountaineers on the board early, extending his career total to 48 home runs.
Senior Grant Hussey, who played in his 200th career game on Sunday, also had a solid performance, collecting two hits during the game. Hussey’s consistency continues to be an integral part of West Virginia’s lineup.
Kartsonas Dominates on the Mound
Graduate student Jack Kartsonas earned his first start of the season, and he didn’t disappoint. The right-hander threw seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out five Houston batters. Kartsonas’ dominance on the mound helped maintain the Mountaineers’ commanding lead throughout the game.
Senior Reese Bassinger came on in relief to close out the game, pitching a scoreless inning while lowering his ERA to a stellar 2.27. Bassinger’s continued excellence in relief gives West Virginia a reliable option out of the bullpen as the team heads into the later part of the season.
Offensive Surge Continues in the Late Innings
West Virginia’s offense erupted in the eighth and ninth innings to put the game out of reach. Redshirt junior Chase Swain crossed the plate on a wild pitch, and freshman Gavin Kelly made his mark by stealing home after a leadoff triple. Kelly added two more runs in the ninth with an RBI single, extending the Mountaineers’ lead.
The Mountaineers’ offense has been a key factor in their 10-game win streak, as they have consistently been able to pile on runs. This victory marked the seventh time this season that West Virginia has reached 10 or more runs in a game.
West Virginia’s Dominance Continues
With the win, West Virginia is now one of only seven teams in the country to reach the 30-win mark this season. The Mountaineers currently boast the second-best winning percentage in the nation at .882, just behind top-ranked Arkansas at .889. Their outstanding performance on the road and at home has them poised for a strong finish to the season as they look to continue their climb in the Big 12 standings.
Looking Ahead: Tuesday’s Game at Marshall
West Virginia will look to extend its win streak when it travels to Marshall on Tuesday. The Mountaineers are set to face the Thundering Herd at Jack Cook Field, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. This midweek matchup provides another opportunity for the Mountaineers to showcase their strength before returning to Big 12 action.
As the season progresses, West Virginia’s combination of powerful hitting, strong pitching, and solid defense makes them a team to watch as they aim for continued success in conference play and beyond.
