With West Virginia needing just one win to lock up the Big 12 regular season title, Kirn turned in a heroic performance, throwing 127 pitches over eight innings and allowing only two runs. However, the Mountaineers’ offense failed to match his intensity as they fell 3-0 to Kansas in the opening game of the series at Kendrick Family Ballpark.
Kansas struck early, scoring in the top of the first after a leadoff double from Derek Cerda. A flyout moved him to third, and a fielder’s choice gave the Jayhawks a quick 1-0 lead—an advantage that surprisingly held for most of the game.
Despite allowing that opening run, Kirn quickly settled in. The left-hander stranded two runners in the second, another in the third, and two more in the fourth, effectively navigating Kansas’ dangerous lineup, which entered the weekend ranked 10th nationally in home runs. Kirn kept the ball in the park—until the eighth inning.
Meanwhile, West Virginia’s bats remained silent against Kansas starter Dominic Voegele, who was just as impressive. Voegele pitched seven shutout innings, allowing six hits and striking out six. The Mountaineers managed to get runners on base in the first and third innings, but missed scoring opportunities proved costly.
One of WVU’s best chances came in the fourth inning. Kyle West singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. With one out and West standing on third, Sam White struck out and Jace Rinehart grounded out, ending the threat. It would be the last time the Mountaineers got a runner to third base.
In the eighth inning, with Kirn still grinding through his outing, Kansas extended their lead. On his 121st pitch of the night, Michael Brooks launched a solo home run, putting Kansas up 2-0. Kirn would finish the frame, walking off the mound with 127 pitches under his belt, allowing just two runs on seven hits, walking three, and striking out 10.
But the damage was done, and WVU’s offense couldn’t respond. In the bottom of the eighth, West Virginia showed signs of life as Kansas reliever Alex Breckheimer entered the game and fell behind both of the first two hitters. But Brodie Kresser grounded out, Skylar King struck out, and Kyle West followed with another strikeout, killing the rally.
Reese Bassinger took over for Kirn in the ninth, and Kansas capped off their night with a solo homer from Ian Francis, pushing the lead to 3-0.
Despite the loss, West Virginia can still clinch the Big 12 title with one win in the remaining games of the series—or with another Arizona State loss. But Thursday’s game served as a reminder: even with elite pitching, scoring runs is essential, especially with the postseason looming.
With the Mountaineers now focused on bouncing back, Friday’s matchup becomes even more crucial. They’ll look to reignite their offense and secure that elusive Big 12 crown with a statement win.
