West Virginia and Marshall Gear Up for an Epic Baseball Showdown in Huntington
Rivals Collide Under the Lights
The excitement is palpable as the No. 24 West Virginia University Mountaineers prepare to face off against their in-state rivals, the Marshall Thundering Herd, in a highly anticipated matchup this Tuesday. Located at Jack Cook Field in Huntington, the game promises to showcase not only regional pride but also top-tier collegiate baseball. With a first pitch set for 6 p.m., fans are gearing up for a battle where every moment counts.
How to Catch the Action: Tune In!
Mountaineer enthusiasts won’t miss a beat with multiple ways to stay connected. You can watch the game live on ESPN+, listen through the Mountaineer Sports Network, or keep track of the live statistics at WVUsports.com. No excuse to miss the thrilling action!
West Virginia’s Stellar Season Overview
Currently sporting an impressive record of 30-4, the Mountaineers are riding high at the top of the Big 12 Conference with a 10-3 mark. Fresh off a sweeping victory against Houston, the Mountaineers are looking to extend their momentum as they approach this intense rivalry clash.
The team’s remarkable performance has earned them rankings across various polls: they are No. 11 in Perfect Game, No. 18 in NCBWA, No. 20 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, No. 22 in Baseball America, No. 23 in The Athletic, and No. 24 by D1Baseball as recognized by the NCAA.
What sets West Virginia apart this season? They currently lead the Big 12 in several key metrics, including:
- Earned Run Average (ERA): 3.81
- Scoring: 9.2 runs per game
- Hits per 9 innings: 7.11
- On-base Percentage (OBP): .424
- Stolen Bases: 86 (average of 2.53 per game)
Star Players to Watch
Junior outfielder Sam White is leading the charge with a .380 batting average, while senior Jace Rinehart tops the team with six home runs and 34 RBIs. Additionally, junior Logan Sauve, who is hitting .346 with five home runs, was recently named the Big 12 Player of the Week—a testament to his rising stardom.
Pitching Matchup
The showdown will feature RHP David Hagen (2-0, 2.50 ERA, 11 K, 7 BB, 18.0 IP) going head-to-head against Marshall’s RHP Peyton Jackson (0-0, 4.85 ERA, 11 K, 3 BB, 13.0 IP). Expect a thrilling duel as both pitchers look to lead their teams to victory!
Marshall’s Season Outlook
Led by third-year head coach Greg Beals, Marshall holds a record of 18-18 this season. After a challenging weekend with a 1-2 finish against App State, the Thundering Herd are eager to turn things around on their home turf.
Maika Niu has been a standout performer for MU, leading the team with 40 hits, 11 doubles, and 4 triples while boasting 14 multi-hit games. Meanwhile, Ethan Murdoch shines with a team-high 27 RBIs and 8 home runs, along with being the leader in multi-RBI games—a crucial factor for Marshall as they seek to upset their rivals.
Engage with the Mountaineers!
For more thrilling updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow the Mountaineers on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
As the rivalry intensifies on Tuesday night, all eyes will be on Huntington. Will the Mountaineers extend their winning streak, or will the Thundering Herd rise to the occasion? Don’t miss a moment of the action—this is a game you won’t want to miss!
