Archrival Showdown: Catamounts vs. Mountaineers Set for Tuesday in Cullowhee
H2: A Rivalry Renewed
Cullowhee, N.C. – Get ready for an electrifying clash as the long-standing rivals, Western Carolina Catamounts and Appalachian State Mountaineers, face off in a highly-anticipated nonconference baseball matchup this Tuesday evening at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium. With first pitch slated for 5 p.m., fans can expect a thrilling evening filled with action and drama.
H3: Catch the Action Live!
Don't miss out on this riveting showdown; the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ (subscription required). For those hungry for real-time updates, live stats will be available online through CatamountSports.com. Plus, the first 350 Western Carolina students to enter will snag exclusive replica WCU baseball jerseys—a gift from The Everson.
H3: Team Formations – Who’s Hot?
Western Carolina (13-15) is looking to build on a recent impressive victory over mountain rivals UNC Asheville, rallying back from an 8-2 deficit to capture a thrilling 9-8 win through a walk-off two-RBI single by Cole Jones. WCU remains undefeated in midweek nonconference home games, showcasing their resilience this season.
On the flip side, Appalachian State (14-13) comes off a 2-of-3 series win against Old Dominion, demonstrating they’re gaining momentum. However, road games have presented challenges—specifically, a dismal 0-3 record in midweek matchups away from home, including recent losses at High Point, ETSU, and Charlotte.
H4: Pitching Matchup – Battle of the Arms
Projected Pitching Matchup:
WCU: LHP Owen Austin (2-0, 3.31 ERA)
APP: LHP Jake Beaty (1-0, 8.79 ERA)
Both pitchers have their ambitions, and it will be fascinating to see who blinks first in this high-stakes environment.
H3: The Catamounts – An Overview
As they take the field against the Mountaineers, the Catamounts boast a .313 batting average, ranking third in the Southern Conference (SoCon). Their powerful offense includes:
56 doubles (3rd in SoCon)
32 home runs (t-4th in SoCon)
Star players like Hayden Friese, who leads with a .365 batting average and 42 hits, will be crucial to Western Carolina’s chances.
The pitching staff has shown significant improvement lately, lowering their combined ERA to 7.99 and tallying 236 strikeouts—fifth in the SoCon.
H4: Scouting the Mountaineers
The Mountaineers are no pushovers either, showcasing their offensive prowess with a .293 team batting average and leading the Sun Belt in 65 doubles.
Senior catcher Braxton Church leads with 10 doubles, while Juan Correa stands out with 10 home runs.
However, the Mountaineers’ pitching remains a weak point, with a combined 7.34 ERA, allowing opponents a .294 batting average.
H3: The Rivalry Continues
Historically, these two teams have met 137 times, with the Catamounts holding a commanding 83-53-1 advantage. The last year was particularly memorable as WCU snapped a six-game losing streak to Appalachian State, winning 10-5 at home.
H4: What's Next for the Catamounts?
After this fiery contest, Western Carolina will remain at home, gearing up for a three-game nonconference series against Gardner-Webb. Be sure to catch the action:
Friday: 5 p.m.
Saturday: 3 p.m. (after WCU’s annual football Spring Game)
Sunday: 2 p.m. in Boiling Springs, N.C.
H3: Keep Connected!
For tickets, visit Catamount Sports. Each of the upcoming Gardner-Webb games will also be broadcasted on ESPN+. Stay updated with the latest WCU Athletics news and game day adjustments through their social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/CatamountSports), Twitter (@Catamounts, @CatamountBSB), and Instagram (wcu_catamounts, catamountbsb).
Don't miss the chance to witness one of the fiercest rivalries in college baseball! Be there to cheer on your Catamounts as they take on the Mountaineers in a gripping contest you won't forget!
