West Virginia University's baseball team faced a tough loss to TCU, 5-2, in the first round of the Big 12 Championship on Tuesday afternoon at Globe Life Field. After ending the regular season with a victory over the Horned Frogs, the Mountaineers couldn't replicate their success in the tournament opener.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Carson Estridge started on the mound for WVU, but the team struggled early, trailing 3-0 after four innings. Sophomore catcher Logan Sauve reignited hope for the Mountaineers with a two-run homer in the fifth inning, narrowing TCU's lead to 3-2. However, the Horned Frogs quickly responded, extending their lead to 4-2 by the end of the sixth inning.
TCU's Brody Green added a solo home run in the top of the ninth, and WVU was unable to mount a comeback in the bottom half of the inning. The loss drops West Virginia to a 33-21 record for the season, while TCU improves to 32-19.
Logan Sauve led the Mountaineers offensively, recording two hits including his seventh home run of the season. Senior Reed Chumley contributed a double, the only other hit for WVU. Despite the loss, WVU's defense had its moments of brilliance. Sophomore Skylar King made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall, and junior Grant Hussey executed an over-the-shoulder sliding catch, turning it into a double play with a throw to home plate.
Carson Estridge took the loss, allowing two runs over 3.2 innings with three strikeouts. Sophomore Maxx Yehl and senior Hayden Cooper also took the mound, with Yehl giving up one run in 1.1 innings and Cooper allowing one run over four innings.
The Mountaineers will face Kansas State in an elimination game on Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET. Graduate student Hambleton Oliver is set to make his first start of the season, opposing Kansas State's left-handed pitcher Owen Boerema. This game is crucial for WVU's hopes to advance in the Big 12 Championship.
West Virginia must regroup quickly and bring their best to stay alive in the tournament. Fans can expect an intense matchup as the Mountaineers fight for their season against the Wildcats.
