Editor’s note: The series against Radford is officially canceled. Instead, WVU travels to Huntington to face in-state foe Marshall. First pitch from Jack Cook Field is set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4.
WVU Baseball (8-2) plays host to Radford University (6-4) for a pair of games on March 3-4. The Mountaineers and Highlanders have minimal history between each other on the diamond, despite hailing from neighboring states. Read more: Series preview: WVU, Radford battle it out for first time since 2016.
April 29, 2015, and March 15, 2016 — the only two times the programs have competed in the pastime. The 2016 matchup in Morgantown fell in favor of the Mountaineers, and vice versa over in The Old Dominion State (not the school) in ’15.
Related: WVU coasts to a victory over Cincinnati on Senior Day (WBB)
The Highlanders are set to make the 256-mile journey north in their return visit to Kendrick Family Ballpark.
Where the Mountaineers stand
WVU is coming off a second straight weekend road series that featured two wins in three outings. The Mountaineers blasted past Kennesaw State in the first two games, and looked to do so again in the finale, to no avail.
Pitcher Maxx Yehl, the Sunday starter, pitched efficiently. The bullpen collapsed down the stretch, and WVU blew a 6-0 lead in the 7-6 loss.
Related: No. 24 WVU drops series finale after late collapse against Kennesaw State
Outside of that, it was another routine weekend on the turf. WVU outscored KSU 27-12 in the series, in similar fashion to the Liberty bouts the previous weekend.
Regardless of opponent, the Mountaineers are averaging 9.2 runs per game through the first 10 outings. They know how to score.
The bullpen is showing similar issues when it comes to finishing games, though. The series finale loss to the Owls felt eerily similar to the late regular season just last year.
Time will tell how strong the pitching relief truly is, but it is worth noting for the future.
The upcoming midweek duo of games should serve as a chance to work out more kinks. However, the 6-4 Radford Highlanders can pose a solid challenge for the Mountaineers, who moved up to No. 23 in the D1 Baseball ranks on Monday.
About the opponent
Radford Baseball first took to the field in 1985, and became a founding member of the Big South Conference one year later.
The program has two NCAA tournament appearances under its belt, to add (2015, 2017).
The Highlanders are coached by fourth-year skipper and RU alumnus Alex Guerra. Since his arrival as head coach, Radford has added to its win total each season.
Specifically, the Highlanders went 10-45 in 2023, 16-34 in ’24, and 28-28 in ’25. Consistent improvement in the win column is a good sign.
This year’s squad is led by junior outfielder Devin Parks and co. offensively. Parks is batting .342 with a home run and 10 RBI through 10 games.
WVU pitchers can target the Charlotte native, though, as he leads the team with 12 strikeouts.
Radford is 1-0 away from home, beating Queens (N.C.) earlier in February. The Highlanders have a tall task waiting for them in Morgantown, but this is why everyone plays the game.
Tune in
Mother Nature is pointing toward raindrops and chilly wind gusts in the lower-to-mid 50s in both games. One can hope it does not interfere with some midweek baseball.
Both games are slated with 2 p.m. first pitch times, barring any weather-related moves. ESPN+ carries the action, along with 100.9 FM The Torch and its nine affiliate stations.
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