Photo credit: Kelsie VanderWijst
Granville, WV- West Virginia fell to Kansas at the Mongongalia County Ball Park, 3-1, Friday evening in the series opener.
The Mountaineers (23-16, 5-8 Big 12) took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, but the Jayhawks (18-24, 5-8 Big 12) answered with two runs in the 5th and added on more in the 9th. WVU scored their one run on for hits with no errors while KU scored their runs on seven hits with one error.
In the top of the first, Kansas threatened to score first with a shot to right field by Michael Tinsley, but WVU sophomore Shaun Wood threw out Joven Fenir at the plate. West Virginia’s only point came when senior Justin Fox stole second and then scored on a double by sophomore Jackson Cramer.
Twice, with players on first-base, the Mountaineers got thrown out trying to lead off the bag to steal second base. Another West Virginia mistake came when a balk gave the Jayhawks a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth. A chance to tie the game came in the sixth with the bases loaded and two outs, but freshman Kyle Davis struck out and left his teammates on base.
WVU trying to tie the game. Photo credit: Kelsie VanderWijst
Freshman pitcher BJ Myers (2-3) started pitching for the Mountaineers and gave up two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and five walks. Junior Kansas pitcher Ben Karuth was credited with the win after pitching 6.1 innings with eight strikeouts and four walks.
“That lefty (Krauth) went out there and really pitched well,” Mazey said. “The chances we did have to score were walks. He walked the bases loaded in one inning, and anytime we got anything going he just picked us off first base. I think he started walking us on purpose just so he could pick us off. He was really good tonight.”
West Virginia will be back in action against Kansas Saturday. The game has been moved to 11 a.m. due to possible bad weather. Junior Ross Vance (6-2) will pitch for the Mountaineers and will face junior Drew Morovick (3-3).
Stats courtesy of wvusports.com and post-game stat sheet.
