MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An ominous Sunday forecast kept West Virginia and Baylor from playing a traditional weekend series by forcing a doubleheader, but it didn’t keep Saturday’s game two starter Ross Vance from throwing a nine strikeout, complete game performance in the Mountaineers’ 5-1, series-winning victory.
Vance, the normal Saturday hurler, was notified by pitching coach Derek Matlock that he could pitch the back end of the doubleheader if there were anticipated delays — given the lefty’s better-than-most ability to sit for longer periods and get back to the mound.
“It was really cool. It was my first time to come out in the third game since I’ve been here,” said Vance.
“It was our last shot to win the series. It was really nice to come out in the third game of the series and shut it down and bring it home.”
The Mountaineers (23-19, 8-9 Big 12) had a chance to get above .500 in the Big 12 heading into Saturday’s doubleheader, but Baylor (20-24, 6-12) managed eight runs on 10 hits to win 8-6 in the first game after being shutout Friday night.
West Virginia was able to pickup two runs in the ninth inning of game one, and even though the comeback came up short, the momentum carried straight into the start of game two where the Mountaineers were able to score first.
“When you play a doubleheader, the team that grabs the lead in the second game always has the advantage, because fatigue starts setting in,” said coach Randy Mazey.
“Getting the lead was important, it dictated the whole pace. We had plenty of opportunities. Vance was sharper and better as the game went on. It’s super good to see that out of him, because that’s the best he’s pitched probably all year.”
Vance held Baylor’s bats at bay, but familiar outings from first baseman Jackson Cramer and catcher Ray Guerrini produced three of the team’s four RBIs.
Cramer’s two came after the Mountaineers’ lead was reduced to 2-1 in the seventh following a Jimmy Galusky error on a fly ball in the infield. He was set up by third baseman Ivan Vera’s lone hit of the day, a seeing-eye-single after striking out in his previous three at bats, which staged the runners at the corners before Cramer’s double brought them home, and added security for Vance’s final inning.
West Virginia stays at home for a mid-week matchup with Virginia Tech on Tuesday before continuing the home stand with a weekend series against Texas.