Mountaineers Seal the Deal Against Houston in Thrilling Series Victory
In a nail-biting finish at Schroeder Park, the West Virginia Mountaineers edged out the Houston Cougars in a dramatic 9-8 victory on Saturday night. This thrilling win not only clinched the series for the Mountaineers but also elevated their season record to an impressive 29-4 overall and 9-3 in the Big 12. Meanwhile, the Cougars fell to 19-16 with a 5-9 tally in conference play.
A Battle of Resilience and Skill
From the very first pitch, this game unfolded into a gripping contest that showcased both teams’ soaring spirits and fierce competitiveness. Houston started on a high note, racing to a 3-0 lead in the opening inning—a formidable challenge for the Mountaineers.
Sam White, a standout junior, and the promising freshman Gavin Kelly emerged as the stars of the night, each recording three hits. They played pivotal roles in the comeback effort, with Kelly contributing two RBIs and White crossing home plate twice.
Key Plays Steal the Show
West Virginia quickly responded in the second inning, rallying for three runs of their own. Senior slugger Grant Hussey got the ball rolling with a productive groundout, followed by Kelly’s magnificent double that brought home two runs, leveling the score at 3-3.
In the third inning, the Mountaineers took their first lead with an impressive two-run triple from Chase Swain—his second three-bagger in as many games. This electrifying play not only shifted the momentum but also propelled the Mountaineers into a more aggressive offensive approach.
A Test of Nerves
As the game progressed, so did the intensity. After Houston fired back with a run in the bottom of the third, they faced a setback again in the fourth inning when West Virginia’s Kyle West smacked a two-run double, widening the gap to 6-3. The Mountaineers weren’t done yet; they added two more runs in the fifth thanks to a timely single from junior Skylar King and a Houston defensive blunder.
However, the Cougars weren’t ready to roll over. A three-run home run from Houston in the fifth reignited their hopes, bringing them dangerously close at 8-6. They further narrowed the gap in the seventh inning, putting the Mountaineers on high alert.
Clutch Moments Define the Game
With the bases loaded and tensions running high in the seventh, junior Carson Estridge made a crucial bullpen appearance, deftly escaping the jam and preserving West Virginia’s narrow lead. The importance of solid plays was underscored in the eighth when Hussey delivered a spectacular throw to home plate, cutting down the tying runner in a tense play that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Estridge closed the game in style with a flawless 1-2-3 inning, securing his second save of the season and sealing the victory for the Mountaineers.
What’s Next for the Mountaineers?
With their sights set on a series sweep, the Mountaineers are ready to face Houston again on Sunday, with the first pitch scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET. Will they complete the sweep, or will the Cougars fight back?
Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion, and follow the Mountaineers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest updates!
For a complete breakdown of the season’s journey and to catch all the action, visit WVU Baseball.
