No. 16 WVU Baseball lives to see another day following its 12-0 victory over Troy, but a trip to its first Men’s College World Series Championship will require two victories over No. 5 UNC. Read more: WVU Baseball prepares for rematch against UNC in MCWS.
Related: Mountaineers power past Trojans 12-0 to stay alive in Omaha
The Mountaineers hit a bump in the road by way of a 5-2 loss in its first game against the Tar Heels Sunday, landing them in the loser’s bracket with no more room for errors. However, this is not WVU’s first glimpse of adversity this postseason, proving the squad possesses the ability to defy the odds.
Familiar scenario
WVU faced potential elimination earlier in the postseason, overcoming Kentucky in what turned into a three-game series during the Morgantown Regional.
The Mountaineers came up short in its first game against the Wildcats, who dominated from the start, scoring six runs across the first two innings. This did not stop West Virginia as it clawed its way out of the losers’ bracket and became the Morgantown Regional champions following two dramatic victories over Kentucky.
The first game against UNC held similarities as the Tar Heels got off to a great start in the first inning and further capitalized towards the end of the game.
While the potential is certainly there for WVU to repeat a path to victory, UNC is considered one of the strongest teams in the nation. It earned its No. 5 ranking by winning 45 games before the NCAA Tournament began.
During the tournament, UNC’s only loss came against USC in its first game in the Chapel Hill Super Regional.
More reasons for positivity
While UNC has confidence heading into game two, WVU has momentum on its side.
WVU put up a phenomenal performance both offensively and defensively against Troy since its last game against UNC. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels have been out of action for three days.
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While it hasn’t happened since 2023, LSU is a recent example of consistent play overcoming early success.
LSU had all the odds stacked against it after falling to No. 1 Wake Forest in the first meeting between the two teams in the 2023 Men’s College World Series. However, LSU would blank Tennessee in the losers’ bracket and win back-to-back games against Wake Forest to punch its ticket to the championship.
That LSU squad would then go on to win the 2023 College World Series.
One team doing a few years does not guarantee it will happen again, but it is worth knowing that by no means is West Virginia out of the race yet.
Previewing Wednesday
WVU and North Carolina will take the field in Omaha first Wednesday at 2 p.m. EST /1 p.m. local. Oklahoma and Georgia follow in a rematch of their own, with the Sooners holding the advantage.
Related: Bulldogs blank Longhorns 2-0 in pitching duel
Since Dawson Montesa started Tuesday against Troy, it’s likely WVU will go with ace Maxx Yehl or Chansen Cole as the starter Wednesday. Chansen’s arm has had more time to rest, with his last appearance being Friday, while Yehl pitched Sunday.
As for the Tar Heels, ace Jason DeCaro’s arm should be ready to go. His last start was Friday. Ryan Lynch has had a few days to rest as well, but would probably benefit more from being an option for Thursday if needed.
If WVU wins Wednesday, it will face UNC again Thursday at a time to be determined.
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