MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Isaiah Kearns singled home the decisive run in the ninth inning as West Virginia enjoyed a 10-9 walk-off win over Canisius in their home opener Friday.
In his first at-bat after entering as a defensive replacement in left field, Kearns recorded his first hit of the season on a 3-2 pitch with two outs. The single through the left side scored Jimmy Galusky, who was hit by a pitch with two outs.
The Mountaineers (8-8) improved to 4-0 in home openers at Monongalia County Ballpark. Three of the four openers have been walk-off wins, while all four have been one- or two-run games.
“We finally get to play at home,” West Virginia coach Randy Mazey said. “You get that extra at-bat in the bottom of the inning, and it just gives you confidence when you come into the bottom of the ninth, the score’s tied and you know that you can swing freely and do some things. That’s why we love playing at home, for walk-offs.”
Canisius (10-5) ripped Mountaineers starter BJ Myers for nine hits over three innings, piling up eight runs — four earned.
Cody Wood stabilized the game with 4 1/3 innings of middle relief before Shane Ennis (3-1) got the final four outs.