West Virginia University’s baseball team is gearing up for a three-game road series against BYU, starting Thursday night. After dropping two out of three games to Arizona last week, the Mountaineers need a strong showing, but injuries are putting their depth to the test.
Key Players Sidelined by Injuries
For most of the season, WVU’s top batting lineup has featured Brodie Kresser leading off, Logan Sauve in the second spot, and Sam White batting third. However, this past weekend, the team suffered major setbacks.
Sauve injured his shoulder while sliding on Saturday, and White dislocated his shoulder while celebrating during Sunday’s game. Head coach Steve Sabins provided an update on their conditions:
- Logan Sauve: Suffering from shoulder inflammation but is expected to return sometime this weekend.
- Sam White: A more serious injury that requires extended recovery time. He is unlikely to play this weekend and will begin physical therapy soon.
Adjustments to the Lineup
To compensate for the absences of Sauve and White, Coach Sabins has had to reshuffle the lineup. Freshman Gavin Kelly has stepped in for Sauve, while second base has become a rotating position between Armani Guzman and Spencer Barnett.
Both players made an impact in the game against Marshall. Guzman went 2-for-4 and showcased his ability to adjust to changeups. Barnett, filling in for White, demonstrated patience at the plate by drawing two walks.
“Sam and Logan were out, but we’ve talked about the depth of our team,” Sabins said. “Barnett and Guzman stepped up and played well. Guzman is evolving into a complete ballplayer, and Spencer provides quality at-bats.”
Gavin Kelly’s Rising Impact
Kelly has proven to be a valuable asset both offensively and defensively. Despite ranking eighth in total at-bats, he is fourth on the team in batting average and runs scored. His defensive contributions have also been critical, throwing out multiple baserunners over the past weekend.
“If you scout Gavin Kelly, you’ll see he’s tough to run on,” Sabins said. “He’s got a great arm, quick transfer, and solid pop times. Teams tested him early, and they found out he’s not easy to steal on.”
What’s Next?
WVU kicks off the series against BYU on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. With key players sidelined, the Mountaineers will rely on their depth and emerging talent to secure crucial wins in the Big 12 matchup.
FAQs
1. Who are the key injured players for WVU?
Logan Sauve (shoulder inflammation) and Sam White (dislocated shoulder) are both sidelined. Sauve may return this weekend, but White is expected to miss more time.
2. Who is filling in for the injured players?
Freshman Gavin Kelly has stepped in for Sauve, while second base is rotating between Armani Guzman and Spencer Barnett.
3. How has Gavin Kelly performed?
Kelly has been impressive both at the plate and defensively. He ranks fourth in batting average and runs scored while preventing opponents from stealing bases.
4. When does WVU play BYU?
The three-game series begins on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
5. How important is this series for WVU?
After losing to Arizona, this series is crucial for maintaining a strong position in the Big 12 standings.
