Late-Inning Surge Lifts WVU Past Georgia Southern to Open Season

aroel's Blog

Feb 14, 2026

West Virginia's season began with a strong performance, as the Mountaineers defeated Georgia Southern 15-3 at J.I. Clements Stadium on Friday. The game showcased a powerful offensive display from WVU, particularly in the later innings, which ultimately led to their victory.

Strong Start for Key Players

Tyrus Hall, the third baseman, made an impressive debut for the Mountaineers, going 3-for-3. Armani Guzman, the center fielder, also had a standout game, hitting two doubles and driving in three RBIs. Their contributions were crucial in the team’s ability to score 13 runs starting from the sixth inning, effectively putting the game out of reach for Georgia Southern.

The Eagles struggled offensively, going hitless from the fourth to the eighth inning. This lack of production was a significant factor in their loss.

Pitching Performances

Reese Bassinger, a right-handed pitcher, earned the win for WVU, pitching 3.2 innings out of the bullpen. He recorded five strikeouts, allowed just one hit, and did not give up any earned runs. His performance was a key element in securing the victory.

Chansen Cole, a right-handed pitcher, started the game for the Mountaineers. However, he faced control issues, throwing 36 strikes compared to 27 balls in 63 pitches. He allowed two earned runs in 2.2 innings. Carter DeGondea, a left-handed pitcher for Georgia Southern, worked four innings, striking out four batters and allowing one earned run in 70 pitches.

Game Highlights

DeGondea started the game by striking out Gavin Kelly on four pitches, then hit Matt Ineich with a pitch. Guzman hit a ball to James McCoy at first base, who turned an inning-ending double play. Cole struggled early, retiring only the first two hitters before walking McCoy after an 0-2 count. The next batter hit a ground ball to Hall, but his throw was too late to get McCoy at second base.

Bryson Trammell then dropped a single to center field, and Guzman fired a throw to the plate, but catcher Matthew Graveline didn't tag McCoy before he reached the plate. Georgia Southern led 1-0 after the first inning.

In the second inning, DeGondea struck out the first batter, but Graveline recorded the first Mountainner hit to left center field. Paul Schoenfeld followed with a walk, and Brodie Kresser hit a long out to the left center warning track. A groundout ended the inning, with DeGondea escaping the jam.

Cole faced similar challenges in the bottom half of the second inning, allowing two singles and a hit batter, loading the bases with no outs. He limited damage with a strikeout and a fielders choice, plating a run. McCoy hit a ball to the warning track, where Schoenfeld made a running grab at the wall to end the inning.

After two innings, WVU trailed 2-0. The next inning saw WVU answer with a run off a two-out single from Guzman to score Hall, who had reached with a single.

Turning Point in the Sixth Inning

In the top of the sixth inning, WVU exploded for six runs, batting around the order. After two walks and a single, the bases were loaded with one out. Ben Lumsden hit a sacrifice fly to bring in the tying run, and a balk from Craig Kalkbrenner gave WVU the lead. Kelly hit a two-RBI single to center field, and Guzman scored two more with a double through the right-center field gap.

Bassinger worked a one-two-three bottom half, and WVU led 8-3. The Mountaineers continued their dominance, scoring four runs in the eighth inning and three more in the ninth. JJ Glasscock finished the game with a one-two-three inning.