Shanna Rose | WV Sports Chat
OMAHA, Neb. – West Virginia’s journey for a national championship hit a setback Sunday evening as the Mountaineers dropped a 5-2 decision to North Carolina in the Men’s College World Series at Charles Schwab Field.
Armani Guzman led the offense with two hits and an RBI, while Sean Smith reached base twice and scored one of WVU’s two runs.
Maxx Yehl delivered another strong outing for the Mountaineers (46-16) despite taking the loss. The right-hander worked 7.0 innings, allowing five runs, though only two were earned. Yehl struck out seven batters and issued just one walk. Reese Bassinger followed with a scoreless eighth inning in relief.
The Tar Heels (52-12-1) jumped out in front quickly, plating two runs in the opening frame to seize an early advantage. WVU responded in the third inning when Guzman drove in a run with an RBI single. The Mountaineers pulled even an inning later, scoring on a double play to make it 2-2.
After the rocky first inning, Yehl settled in and kept UNC off the scoreboard for the next five innings. However, a pair of WVU miscues in the seventh proved costly, allowing the Tar Heels to score three unearned runs and regain the lead.
The Mountaineers mounted one final threat in the ninth inning, bringing the tying run to the plate with one out. UNC countered by turning to All-American closer Caden Glauber, who recorded the final two outs to secure the victory.
WVU now turns its attention to Tuesday’s elimination game against Troy at 2 p.m. ET. The Mountaineers defeated the Trojans, 7-5, in the opening game of the College World Series and will need another win to keep its season alive.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
