A Mississippi native makes his WVU debut on Friday, likely serving as a designated hitter. No matter the role, Sean Smith returns to his most recent stomping grounds, Georgia Southern. This time, he will sit in the visitors’ dugout.
The homecoming is just one of several storylines to keep track of as the season gets going over the weekend. WVU and Georgia Southern battle it out in a three-game non-conference series, running Friday through Sunday. Read more: A Sean Smith homecoming: WVU set to open season against Georgia Southern (series preview).Â
The Mountaineers make the trip to Statesboro for the first time in three years, set for the fourth all-time series between the squads. GASO leads the all-time series, 5-4.
Related: Season preview: WVU Baseball carrying high hopes into 2026
WVU has never hosted the Eagles, and the trend remains true. All nine games coming into Friday have been played at J.J. Clements Stadium.
Homecoming
Smith is a graduate transfer, coming from GASO to finish his collegiate career with the Mountaineers. The Eagles’ former slugger is no stranger to the venue, by default. It served as home base for the home run hitter for the past two seasons.
The 6’1 DH/OF combo started 74 of the 83 games he played in for GASO, hitting .339 across two campaigns. Impressive.
Regardless of where Smith finds himself in the lineup, or in the field, it could very well end up being a weekend of revenge for the power bat.
About the opponent
The Sun Belt school began sponsoring a baseball team as early as the mid-1930’s. Consistent competition picked up in 1947, and the Eagles have done damage over the years.
GASO made it to the NCAA College World Series in 1973 and 1990, showcasing the program’s high ceiling. The Eagles won an NAIA College World Series in 1962, with two more appearances as runner-up at that level.
The boys from Statesboro are coming off a lackluster 2025 season, finishing 28-31 overall (13-17 SBC). Like many teams, GASO fared better at home (20-11).
Speaking of home, J.J. Clements Stadium is home to a primarily grass field. WVU Baseball Head Coach Steve Sabins took the team down to Columbia, South Carolina, earlier this month to get reps on a similar surface. WVU is used to turf at Kendrick Family Ballpark.
GASO comes into the weekend with a young roster, the complete opposite of what WVU brings to the table. The Eagles tout 14 true freshmen and 25 overall new players this season.
Weather
Mother Nature typically hates early season baseball. Most forecasts are calling for low to mid-60s and minimal chance for participation during game time on Friday and Saturday.
A chance of rain dabbles in the Sunday matinee, but it seems promising. Knock on wood, of course.
WVU had its fair share of dealing with poor conditions, home and away, in 2025.
Tale of the tape
It comes down to experience.
GASO’s youthful lineup against WVU’s grizzled veteran rotation should make for an interesting battle of roster makeups.
With Chase Meyer out of the pitching rotation, the Eagles have one less fiery arm to bat against. Just because Meyer is gone does not mean the road is easy for the challenger, though.
Related: Sabins reveals pitcher Chase Meyer “3-4 weeks off pace” for Mountaineers
WVU’s main challenges come in the form of starting the season on the road against a respected program, as well as team chemistry. The Mountaineers are banking on the upside of several lower-division transfers, too.
Regardless of outcome, baseball is back!
First pitch
- Friday – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 3:00 p.m.
- Sunday – 11:30 a.m.
Tune in
Tune in to 100.9 FM The Torch for coverage all season long. Also, ESPN+ is carrying all three games in the series on the TV front.
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