West Virginia Takes Series Opener Over No. 16 UCF

The Mountaineers grab the first of a three-game series against the 16th-ranked Knights

Granville, WV – West Virginia (20-13, 9-4) junior Kyle West went 3-4 with four RBIs to lead the Mountaineers to a 7-6 decision over the 16th-ranked UCF Nights (21-10, 8-8) Friday night.

An infield single from Kyle West, and a steal by the senior followed by another infield single junior Brodie Kresser set up an RBI single from freshman Aaron Jamison gave the Mountaineers an early advantage. Then, Kresser took home on a double steal for a 2-0 West Virginia lead through two innings.

UCF tied the game in the top of the fourth when the Knights loaded the bases by receiving a pair of walks and getting a single from senior Dani Neri before freshman Andrew Wilson delivered a two-RBI single into rightfield to even the game at two.

In the top of the fifth, the Knights hit five consecutive singles, including RBIs base hits from redshirt senior Jack Zyska and AJ Nessler and Neri laid down a bunt inside the first baseline for an RBI single as Knights claimed a 5-2 lead and ending WVU starting pitcher Aidan Major’s night. The junior finished the day with eight strikeouts.

West Virginia head coach Randy Mazey called in right-handed reliever Carson Estridge. The sophomore got out of the inning with a pair of strikeouts.

After senior Reed Chumley hit a one-out single in the hole on the left side, West went to the opposite field for a two-run home run over the left field wall to get the Mountaineers back within one, 5-4.

UCF added to its lead in the seventh when singles from Nessler and redshirt senior Andrew Brait led to Williams hitting a high RBI fly ball over first base and into the hole for a 6-4 advantage.

In the bottom of the inning, following two Mountaineer walks, West hit a line drive to deep centerfield for a two-RBI triple to tie the game. Then, Brodie Kresser a shallow fly ball rattled out of the glove of junior first baseman Lex Boedicker’s glove, scoring West as the Mountaineer reclaimed the lead 7-6.

West Virginia redshirt sophomore reliever David Hagaman took the mound in the eighth inning and allowed a mere one hit and struck out five to record his second save of the season as the Mountaineers take the series opener 7-6.

West Virginia and UCF will square off in game two at Kendrick Family Ballpark Saturday at 4:00 p.m.