GRANVILLE, W.Va. — Timely hitting throughout their lineup coupled with a strong relief effort from Reese Bassinger and another highlight reel defensive play from Armani Guzman allowed the WVU baseball team to lock up a series-clinching win over Utah, 6-4 Saturday in game one of a doubleheader.
Game three of the series was moved up from Sunday due to forecasted weather.
Bassinger earned the win for West Virginia by tossing 4 2/3 innings of shoutout relief. He allowed just three hits and did not walk a batter. Starting pitcher Gavin Van Kempen was charged with four runs in 4 1/3 innings of work.
Brodie Kresser led WVU at the plate with a 3-for-5, 4 RBI effort. His three-run home run in the second inning gave the Mountaineers (26-4, 6-3 Big 12) a lead they would not relinquish. North Marion High School graduate Jace Rinehart and Gavin Kelly also drove in runs for West Virginia.
Leading 6-4 in the top of the ninth inning, Guzman helped seal the victory for the Mountaineers with a tremendous running catch in foul territory down the right field line.
Final (Game 1 of DH): West Virginia 6, Utah 4.
Armani Guzman’s brilliant running catch in foul territory helps WVU (26-4, 6-3 Big 12) close it out in the ninth.
Game 2 to begin at approximately 4:30. pic.twitter.com/WnyMWnV34H
— Joe Brocato (@joebrowvm) April 5, 2025
Game 2 of the doubleheader was scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.