West Virginia Drops Game 3 to Xavier

Morgantown, WV - After clinching the series against Xavier on Saturday, West Virginia (18-6) dropped an 8-3 decision in game three as the Mountaineers fell short of completing the series sweep the Musketeers (11-12).

Dayne Leonard gave West Virginia the early 1-0 advantage after dropping a one-out RBI single in the bottom of the first inning.

West Virginia starting pitcher Grant Siegal struck out three in the first but hit consecutive Xavier batters in the second, then walked the bases loaded before Jared Cushing smacked a grand slam, claiming a 4-1 Xavier lead.

In the bottom of the third inning, Dayne Leonard hit a leadoff single and Sam White worked a walk to set up an RBI single from Ellis Garcia to cut the deficit to two, 4-2.

Andrew Walker extended the Xavier advantage in the fourth with a two-run home run of freshman Robby Porco.

Dayne Leonard responded, finding the hole in shallow right centerfield another RBI single as the Musketeers held a 6-3 lead through four innings.

Xavier added a run in the sixth when Cushing produced a leadoff single, he then stole second and third before Mathew Deprey laid the sacrifice bunt down the first base line for the 7-3 lead.

Jared Cushing blasted a solo shot in the eighth inning, his third home run of the series, pushed the Musketeers lead to five as Xavier avoided the series sweep with an 8-3 win.

West Virginia will be back in action on Tuesday as the Mountaineers host the Marshall Thundering Herd at 6:30 p.m.

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