Mountaineers finding their stride in non-conference play 

The 2023 West Virginia baseball team has gotten off to a historic start, as the Mountaineers stand at 15-4, their best record through 19 games since joining the Big 12 in 2012. This hot start has earned the Mountaineers a spot in the national rankings, as West Virginia came in at No. 24 in the country in the most recent poll. 

The Mountaineers are on a nine-game winning streak after completing three straight series sweeps against Minnesota and on the road against Appalachian State and UNC Greensboro. 

West Virginia has thrived in the non-conference play before entering the rigorous Big 12 conference schedule in late March. 

Despite being picked sixth in the preseason poll, the Mountaineers have held their own statistically against the powers of the Big 12 conference. WVU is currently ranked third in the conference in team batting average, as the Mountaineers hold a .300 batting average, which is only behind No. 14 Texas Tech and No. 20 Oklahoma State. 

West Virginia’s pitching has also been strong to open the season, as the Mountaineer staff has accounted for a 3.67 earned run average, which is good for third in the conference.  

While holding their own in the field and at the plate, the Mountaineers have stayed true to their identity of always being on the move on the basepaths. Through 19 games, West Virginia has stolen 56 bases, which is good for 10^th in the country. The Mountaineers are also efficient when stealing bags, as the team has only been caught stealing six times in 62 attempts. 

When averaging it out, West Virginia ranks 10^th in the nation in steals per game, as the Mountaineers steal nearly three bases per game. 

With the combination of effective hitting and pitching, while still maintaining the “Mazey-Ball” style, the 2023 West Virginia baseball team has had its ideal start to the season. 

West Virginia will be in action tonight, March 21 and Wednesday, March 22, against the Hofstra Pride. The Mountaineers will take on the Pride at 6:30 p.m. from Wagener Field at Monongalia County Ballpark. The action can be viewed on ESPN+.