Mountaineers Gear Up for Final Showdown Against Kansas
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The excitement is palpable as the **No. 16 West Virginia University baseball team** prepares to face off against the **Kansas Jayhawks** in a thrilling final regular-season series from **May 15-17**. This showdown at **Kendrick Family Ballpark** promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the season, with **first pitch** scheduled for **6:30 p.m.** on Thursday and Friday, and **1:00 p.m.** on Saturday. Don’t miss out on this nail-biting series as the Mountaineers aim to clinch their spot atop the Big 12 leaderboard!
How to Catch the Action
Tickets for this highly anticipated series are available through **WVUGame.com**, via phone at **1-800-WVU-GAME**, or in person at the Mountaineer Ticket Office. Students get the unique opportunity to attend for **free with a valid WVU ID**. If you can’t make it to the ballpark, fear not! Fans can catch all the action on **ESPN+** or tune into the **Mountaineer Sports Network**. For those who thrive on stats, live updates will be available at **WVUsports.com**.
Weekend Promotions and Fan Engagement
Prepare for an action-packed weekend filled with festivities! This series features exciting promotions including **Jerry West Night** on Thursday, followed by **Friday Night Happy Hour**, and a **Victor Scott II bobblehead giveaway** on Friday, courtesy of United Bank. Finally, fans can revel in the emotion of **Senior Day** on Saturday, honoring those who have significantly contributed to the team.
Mountaineers in Championship Form
The Mountaineers are coming into this series boasting a remarkable **40-10 record** and currently sit **first in the Big 12** at **19-6**. A win this weekend by WVU or a loss by Arizona State would affirm their dominance by clinching the conference title. According to the latest rankings, West Virginia is making waves with their presence:**
- **Perfect Game**: No. 14
- **NCBWA**: No. 14
- **USA Today Coaches Poll**: No. 17
- **Baseball America**: No. 19
- **The Athletic**: No. 24
- **D1Baseball** (NCAA-recognized): No. 16
Star Performers to Watch
As the season draws to a close, certain players have shone brightly. **Junior Sam White** leads the Mountaineers with an impressive **.368 batting average**. Meanwhile, senior powerhouses **Jace Rinehart** and **Kyle West** have each slammed **eight home runs** this season. Notably, Rinehart also tops the team with **50 RBIs** and leads the Big 12 with **20 doubles**.
On the mound, watch for **redshirt senior Griffin Kirn**, who boasts a **4-1 record** with a **3.49 ERA** and a staggering **73 strikeouts**. Graduate student **Jack Kartsonas** presents a formidable presence with a **6-1 record** and an outstanding **2.44 ERA** in just **48.0 innings**.
Pitching Matchups to Anticipate
As the series approaches, here are the projected pitching matchups to keep an eye on:
- **Game 1**: LHP **Griffin Kirn** (4-1, 3.49 ERA, 73 K) vs. RHP **Dominic Voegele** (6-4, 5.40 ERA)
- **Game 2**: RHP **Gavin Van Kempen** (2-0, 5.95 ERA) vs. RHP **Cooper Moore** (6-1, 3.49 ERA)
- **Game 3**: RHP **Jack Kartsonas** (6-1, 2.44 ERA) vs. TBA
Kansas Brings The Heat
Under the guidance of **third-year head coach Dan Fitzgerald**, Kansas enters this matchup with a **39-14 record**, standing **third in the Big 12** at **17-10** after a strong performance against BYU last weekend. The Jayhawks are known for their potent offense, leading the Big 12 and ranking **10th nationally with 93 home runs**, headlined by **Jackson Hauge**, who has launched **18 home runs** this season. On the pitching side, **Cooper Moore** headlines the staff with a **3.49 ERA** and **65 strikeouts**.
Stay Connected
For up-to-date information about the Mountaineers, follow **@WVUBaseball** on **Twitter**, **Facebook**, and **Instagram**. Let’s rally behind our team as they head into this crucial series against Kansas!
Mountaineers Ready to Clash with Kansas in Final Regular Season Series
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The thrilling climax of the college baseball season is upon us! The **No. 16 West Virginia University baseball team** is all set to face the **Kansas Jayhawks** in an electrifying series from **May 15-17**. The action will unfold at the iconic **Kendrick Family Ballpark**, with **first pitches** lined up for **6:30 p.m.** on both Thursday and Friday, wrapping up with a **1:00 p.m.** showdown on Saturday. This is a must-see event for all baseball enthusiasts!
Don’t Miss the Action!
Tickets for this enthralling series can be purchased at **WVUGame.com**, by calling **1-800-WVU-GAME**, or at the Mountaineer Ticket Office. Excitingly, students can attend for **free with a valid WVU ID**! For fans unable to attend in person, the games will be broadcast on **ESPN+**. You can also tune into the **Mountaineer Sports Network** or keep track of live stats at **WVUsports.com**.
Exciting Promotions Await Fans
This weekend isn’t just about baseball! The series will feature a host of engaging promotions, including **Jerry West Night** on Thursday, **Friday Night Happy Hour**, and a **Victor Scott II bobblehead giveaway** on Friday, courtesy of United Bank. Don’t forget to celebrate our players during **Senior Day** on Saturday—a heartfelt farewell to our cherished seniors.
Mountaineers: On the Path to Glory
Currently flaunting a stellar **40-10 record**, the Mountaineers sit proudly at the top of the **Big 12** with a **19-6 mark**. A win this weekend by WVU—or a loss by Arizona State—will secure the coveted conference title. The Mountaineers have made an impressive leap in the polls, standing:
- **Perfect Game**: No. 14
- **NCBWA**: No. 14
- **USA Today Coaches Poll**: No. 17
- **Baseball America**: No. 19
- **The Athletic**: No. 24
- **D1Baseball** (NCAA-recognized): No. 16
Key Players to Spotlight
As the season approaches its dramatic conclusion, a few standout players deserve special attention. **Junior Sam White** leads the charge with an impressive **.368 batting average**. Seniors **Jace Rinehart** and **Kyle West** have each blasted **eight home runs**, proving crucial in the team’s success. Rinehart also stands out as he leads the squad with **50 RBIs** and dominates the Big 12 with **20 doubles**.
On the pitching front, keep an eye on **redshirt senior Griffin Kirn**. With a **4-1 record**, a solid **3.49 ERA**, and an impressive **73 strikeouts**, Kirn has been a cornerstone of the pitching staff. **Graduate student Jack Kartsonas** has also been a revelation, holding a **6-1 record** and a remarkable **2.44 ERA** over **48.0 innings**.
Pitching Matchups to Watch
Get ready for some edge-of-your-seat pitching action! Here are the anticipated matchups for the series:
- **Game 1**: LHP **Griffin Kirn** (4-1, 3.49 ERA, 73 K) vs. RHP **Dominic Voegele** (6-4, 5.40 ERA)
- **Game 2**: RHP **Gavin Van Kempen** (2-0, 5.95 ERA) vs. RHP **Cooper Moore** (6-1, 3.49 ERA)
- **Game 3**: RHP **Jack Kartsonas** (6-1, 2.44 ERA) vs. TBA
Kansas Brings Fierce Competition
Meanwhile, Kansas enters the series under the guidance of **third-year head coach Dan Fitzgerald** with a strong **39-14 record**, sitting **third in the Big 12** at **17-10** after clinching two out of three against BYU last weekend. The Jayhawks are a force to be reckoned with, leading the Big 12 and ranking **10th nationally** with **93 home runs**—a staggering feat led by **Jackson Hauge**, who has hit **18 bombs** this season. On the mound, **Cooper Moore** showcases a **3.49 ERA** with **65 strikeouts**, adding depth to their formidable pitching staff.
Stay Connected with WVU Baseball
For all the latest updates on the Mountaineers, follow **@WVUBaseball** on **Twitter**, **Facebook**, and **Instagram**. Let’s rally together as our team prepares for this high-stakes series against Kansas!
