By: Shanna Rose
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–The West Virginia University baseball team powered past Queens 17-3 on Monday afternoon to complete the four-game sweep at The Stick Williams Dream Fields.
The Mountaineers (12-0) extended their win streak to 12 games, which is the longest since 2006 when WVU won 17 consecutive. It is the fourth-best start to a season in program history and best since starting 18-0 in 1964.
The Mountaineers scored 17 runs on 19 hits while the Royals three runs on five hits.
Eleven batters had at least one hit on the day and junior Chase Swain led the hitting frenzy with four hits. Freshman Gavin Kelly had three hits and knocked in three runs. Senior Jace Rinehart and sophomore Spencer Barnett each hit their first home runs of the season.
Freshman David Hagen (1-0) picked up the win for WVU, tossing two scoreless frames. He surrendered no runs and just one hit while striking out one. Luke Lyman, Tyler Hutson, Robby Porco and Jack Kartsonas each tossed scoreless innings.
Joey Fuller (0-3) suffered the loss for Queens. He gave eight runs on six hits.
The Mountaineers were in control all game, jumping out to a 9-0 lead in the second inning. Kelly and Swain both had a pair of hits and combined to drive in five runs. Skylar King, Grant Hussey, Brodie Kresser and Logan Sauve each drove in a run, as well.
In the third White and Kelly singled home a run and Armani Guzman added an RBI.
In the fifth, Rinehart hit a two-run home run and Barnett hit a three-run home run to cap the scoring for WVU.
The Mountainers return home for series with Kennesaw State, March 7-9. First pitch from Kendrick Family Ballpark on Friday is set for 2 p.m.
