No. 24 West Virginia who is riding an 11-game winning streak is set to host another Big 12 weekend series, this time against Cincinnati, let’s take a look at how both of these teams match up.
West Virginia, new to the rankings this week, is sliding in at No. 24 has a 31-4 record on the season, and sits atop the Big 12 with a 10-3 conference record. Meanwhile, Cincinnati is in the middle of the conference with an 8-7 record in Big 12 play and an overall record of 21-15.
The Mountaineers pitching staff has been a major asset to the team’s success. Their 3.75 team ERA and .216 batting average against are both the best in the conference. Cincinnati’s pitching staff ranks sixth in the Big 12 with a 4.77 team ERA.
The West Virginia offense also ranks near the top of the conference with a .317 batting average and has worked a .421 on-base percentage as a team, both are ranked second in the Big 12. Cincinnati’s offense has been a different story, ranking 11th in the Big 12 in batting average with .280 team average.
In game one of the series, the lefty Griffin Kirn will get the ball for WVU (4-0, 3.74 ERA) and will face off against Nathan Taylor (4-0, 2.70 ERA) on Thursday, April 17th at 6:30 pm EST, the game will be televised on ESPN+.
Game two will feature Gavin Van Kempen (2-0, 5.63 ERA) and left-hander Kellen O’Connor (1-1, 4.62 ERA) on Friday, April 18th at 6:30 pm EST, the game will be televised on ESPN+.
Game three will be Jack Kartsonas (3-1, 2.22 ERA) for the Mountaineers and it has yet to be announced who will start for the Bearcats on Saturday, April 19th at 2:00 pm EST, the game will be televised on ESPN+.
