GRANVILLE, W.Va. — West Virginia took to Wagener Field at Monongalia County Ballpark on Tuesday for its first of 23 scheduled home games in the 2022 season.
The Mountaineers had their way with Canisius and never trailed in a 17-3 victory.
A two-run single from Mikey Kluska in the second inning broke a scoreless tie and put West Virginia (6-2) on top for good.
Trailing 4-0 in the fourth inning, the Golden Griffins (4-5) scored three runs courtesy of three extra-base hits to draw to within one.
WVU added two runs in the fifth to lead 6-3, then scored five in the sixth to put the game out of reach.
Freshman JJ Wetherholt continued his strong start to the season with a three-run double in the sixth and Victor Scott followed with a two-run home run that marked the first round-tripper of the season at Wagener Field.
The next inning, Scott connected on a grand slam to become WVU’s second player this season with three home runs through nine games, joining Grant Hussey.
Scott drove in seven runs, while Wetherholt and Kluska had three RBIs apiece. Wetherholt finished 4-for-5 with four runs.
Zach Bravo started on the mound for WVU and and allowed three runs on four hits in four innings. He struck out four and did not record a decision. The win went to Michael Kilker, who pitched two scoreless innings in relief with three strikeouts.
Justin Guiliano took the loss for Canisius after allowing three runs on four hits in two innings.
WVU is back in action Friday against Minnesota.