The No. 17 West Virginia University baseball team heads to Penn State for a highly anticipated non-conference matchup Tuesday evening. With the first pitch set for 6:00 p.m. from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the Mountaineers look to extend their impressive run this season.
Mountaineers Eyeing Continued Success
West Virginia enters the game with an outstanding 34-4 record after sweeping Cincinnati over the weekend. Their 0.895 winning percentage currently stands as the highest in the country, solidifying them as one of the premier teams in NCAA baseball.
In the latest national rankings, West Virginia is highly regarded. The Mountaineers are ranked:
- No. 9 by Perfect Game
- No. 10 in the NCBWA
- No. 14 by the USA Today Coaches Poll
- No. 14 in Baseball America
- No. 18 by The Athletic
- No. 17 by D1Baseball, recognized by the NCAA.
The team has been exceptional in multiple areas of the game. Not only do they lead the Big 12 Conference in earned run average (ERA) (3.72), but they also lead in scoring (8.8 runs per game), batting average (.317), hits per 9 innings (6.99), stolen bases (89), stolen bases per game (2.34), and WHIP (1.27). These numbers demonstrate their well-rounded approach, combining solid pitching and potent offense.
Key Players for West Virginia
Several standout players have been crucial to the team’s success. Junior Sam White leads the Mountaineers with a .383 batting average, providing a consistent presence at the plate. On the power side, senior Jace Rinehart and junior Logan Sauve each have seven home runs, giving the Mountaineers a dangerous lineup.
In terms of pitching, senior Reese Bassinger has been one of the best in the Big 12, sitting fifth in the conference with a 2.93 ERA. Additionally, he leads the conference with a remarkable 0.85 WHIP, making him one of the most reliable pitchers for West Virginia.
For Tuesday’s game, RHP Benjamin Hudson is slated to start for West Virginia. Hudson boasts a 2-0 record with a solid 2.49 ERA, 23 strikeouts, and eight walks over 21.2 innings this season. He will face off against Penn State’s RHP Mason Butash, who has a 2-1 record but an 8.85 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 10 walks over 19.1 innings of work.
Penn State’s Strong Lineup
On the other side, Penn State enters the game with a 24-14 record, having secured two out of three wins in their weekend series against Purdue. Under the leadership of second-year head coach Mike Gambino, the Nittany Lions have had an impressive campaign, especially with some key players stepping up.
LSU transfer Paxton Kling has been a major contributor, leading the team with a .338 batting average and 12 home runs. His ability to deliver big hits has made him a constant threat at the plate, and he will be a player to watch in this matchup.
Additionally, Anthony Steele has been a standout performer for Penn State’s pitching staff. With a 2.25 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 24 innings, Steele has proven himself to be one of their most reliable relievers.
What to Expect from the Game
This matchup between West Virginia and Penn State promises to be an exciting one. Both teams come into the game with solid records and a wealth of talent, making this a thrilling non-conference contest. West Virginia’s dominant offense will look to challenge Penn State’s pitching, while the Nittany Lions will try to keep their high-powered hitters in check.
For fans who cannot attend the game, Mountaineer fans can catch the action live on Big Ten Network. Those looking to check if they have access or find BTN on their TV can visit the network’s website. Fans can also follow along through live stats on WVUsports.com and tune into the Mountaineer Sports Network for live radio coverage.
Looking Ahead
As both teams continue to battle through their respective seasons, this non-conference game provides valuable opportunities for both squads to fine-tune their play. With West Virginia’s focus on maintaining their impressive momentum, they’ll look to continue their success on the road against Penn State. With a strong pitching staff, a powerful lineup, and solid defense, the Mountaineers are in an excellent position to come out on top in this midweek showdown.
