Hours after WVU’s quest for a Big 12 Baseball Tournament title fell nine innings short, I’m reminded of a quote I’ve heard many times growing up… It’s never good if you can’t see the forest for the trees. The 9-0 blowout loss to Kansas stings for WVU and its fans, but think of the bigger picture. Stay with me on this one. Read more: WVU Baseball: look past the trees to see the forest.
The Mountaineers went out with a whimper Saturday after back-to-back solid outings in the tourney. The wheels fell off down the stretch, highlighted by allowing six runs in the seventh inning. Three of those runs came on consecutive solo-shot home runs.
Related: WVU’s offense sputters, Kansas wins Big 12 championship 9-0
Facing the music
It can be tough for fans to see every Mountaineer program other than WVU Rifle to fall short when the lights shine brightest. Sometimes, it even feels like a curse. Look back at the success of WVU’s two basketball squads earlier this spring, or the consistent excellence of the soccer teams, though.
This is an athletics department with a lot of positive vibes surrounding it right now.
The wider lens comes into play here. WVU Baseball didn’t hoist its first Big 12 tournament title Saturday, but there’s a hefty chance NCAA Regional action sets up shop in Morgantown come next week.
The bigger picture
Let’s clear up the title of the article, shall we? The trees in this instance — Kansas getting the last laugh, falling short in the conference tournament again, you name it.
The forest, however — top 10 in the country, likely to host a regional, and the best fans in the conference waiting for that return to Kendrick Family Ballpark.
It’s normal to be bummed, especially the way it fell apart Saturday. Two bases-loaded situations that resulted in zero runs, solid pitching turned meaningless, etc.
But there is no doubt in my mind that WVU has more gas in the tank. We’ve all seen what this team is capable of. When it’s all said and done, people will look back on this season more for what it was than what it wasn’t. Call it selective memory, but if this team goes far in the NCAA Tournament, you can forgive a lot.
As for me personally, I already have. Long gone are the days of complaining and sounding the alarm on releasing Chase Meyer. I thought that was equivalent to sticking a fork in the season. I was severely wrong, and downplayed the sheer amount of depth this team has.
I’ve gotten over the bullpen fiasco at Cincinnati, days after one of, if not the most embarrassing home loss in program history to Pitt.
None of that matters when you knock on the door of excellence. I’d say WVU is walking up to that door right now.
Look forward
The waiting game is on for most of Sunday for players, staff, and fans alike. WVU is poised for hosting next weekend, but there is always that creeping suspicion something goes haywire and the Mountaineers have to hit the road. I’ve seen the X/Twitter feeds, it’s a real concern among a congregation of the faithful.
Luckily, this isn’t a 2024-25 WVU Men’s Basketball situation where the team sits on the bubble. This is one of the best college baseball teams on Earth we’re talking about.
The concern won’t concede until that graphic flashes, confirming a Morgantown regional. I guess we’ll see a little past 8 p.m. Sunday.
The opponents? Those will have to wait until Monday afternoon. The NCAA Baseball Tournament selection show is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Memorial Day. Whoever it is, fans at KFB (if WVU hosts) are primed to share a warm welcome.
A quick shout
While I have the chance, I’d like to personally thank staff writer Logan Powell for the on-site coverage from Surprise, Arizona. He’s been the man this week, bringing you all the excellent analysis and recaps. Logan’s final wrap from the Grand Canyon State is set to be published Sunday afternoon. I deeply appreciate my staff as a whole.
Related: How West Virginia Baseball is inspiring pride across the state
The focus turns to the decision on hosting, and then to who WVU faces in the first steps to potential national glory and program history.
And remember, don’t let the trees block your view of the forest—a strikingly good, success-laden, fun to watch forest. I hope you stayed with me for this one.
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