The Mountaineers came up short in the College World Series, but it was the best season in program history. They were one of the final four teams in the nation, finishing with a 47-17 record. WVU lost 12-7 against UNC in the CWS Semifinals, with errors proving costly. They did counter with a late five-run rally that reflected the team’s never-quit mentality. The loss certainly stings, but the journey was unlike anything WVU baseball has ever seen. Read more: WVU Baseball’s season for the ages.
The record books
WVU ended the season with a program-best 47-17 record, making its first-ever CWS appearance. Head coach Steve Sabins has started his WVU tenure with two consecutive 40-win seasons. He is now 91-33 in two seasons as head coach and has built on the foundation laid before him. The Mountaineers have made three consecutive Super Regional appearances and just made their first trip to the College World Series.
Related: Mountaineers’ historic season ends in Omaha with gritty fight against North Carolina
There were some individual records broken and tied this season, as well. Gavin Kelly hit 19 home runs, including one in the semifinal loss, which is tied for the most in program history. He is now tied with Jedd Gyorko and Mark Landers. He also set the record for most total bases in program history with 179.
ARMANI GUZMAN STEALS HOME FOR THE FIRST RUN OF THE #MCWS 😱
First player to have a straight steal of home in Omaha since 2000!!!@mani_ftn x @WVUBaseball pic.twitter.com/8RPtGCiJSi
— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) June 12, 2026
Armani Guzman broke Victor Scott’s record for most stolen bases in a season. He had 38 in 2022, and Guzman finished with 42. He also tied the Big 12 season stolen base record. That includes a straight steal of home in the first matchup against Troy in the CWS. It was the first successful straight steal of home at the CWS since Steve Feehan did it for Clemson in 2000. Guzman also became the first player since 2018 to record 3+ steals in a CWS game.
Trip to Omaha
WVU came up short of Kansas for the Big 12 Regular Season and Tournament Titles. They lost to Kansas, 9-0, in the final. Kansas finished 22-8 in the Big 12, and WVU finished 21-9 to secure second place in the regular season, as well. The Mountaineers earned the 16 seed and hosted a regional for the first time since 2019. The Mountaineers beat Kentucky twice with some late-game heroics to win the Morgantown Regional.
They advanced and played Cal Poly in the Super Regional. They also hosted an NCAA Super Regional for the first time in program history. They beat Cal Poly 12-2 and 17-1 to earn a trip to the College World Series.
The first game in Omaha was a 7-5 victory over Troy, and the team lost to North Carolina, 2-5, in the following game. They beat Troy again, 12-0, and finished 2-2 in the CWS.
What it means for the program
West Virginia is no longer a feel-good story. They are a legitimate national contender for the foreseeable future. The passionate fan base became a topic of national conversation when they hosted postseason games. This has been a long time coming for people paying attention to the program during the Randy Mazey era. Sabins has done a tremendous job of building a winning culture, and the future looks bright.
WVU Baseball was inspiring on the field, but this moment caught my eye as a coach. After a tough loss, #1 prospect Gavin Kelly stopped the room to thank the behind-the-scenes staff. Players then neatly pushed in their chairs & left.
Defeat confirms character. Elite culture. pic.twitter.com/LgIXzc7OZ5— Dan Lohmann (@DanLohmann) June 18, 2026
Gavin Kelly, who earned Second Team All-America as a catcher, is not eligible for the draft. He is projected to be a top pick in the 2027 draft. Guzman, Maxx Yehl, Dawson Montesa, and Tyrus Hall all have college eligibility remaining if they forgo the draft. It may have been West Virginia’s first time in Omaha, but they will not be strangers for long.
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