Clemson, S.C. — In a thrilling finish at the Clemson Regional, West Virginia triumphed over Kentucky with a 13-12 victory on Sunday night, advancing to the super regional for the second consecutive year. Ben Lumsden played a crucial role with four RBIs, while Gavin Kelly added three, and Armani Guzman sealed the deal with a clutch two-out RBI single during a stunning six-run rally in the eighth inning.
Leading the team was first-year head coach Steve Sabins, who took the reins following Randy Mazey’s retirement after a 12-season tenure with the Mountaineers. Guzman was impressive at the plate, collecting four hits and driving in three runs. Logan Sauve also contributed significantly, including a solo home run.
In a pivotal moment, Kentucky’s Devin Burkes hit a solo homer in the eighth, giving the Wildcats a five-run lead. However, West Virginia fought back in dramatic fashion. Grant Hussey’s two-out walk loaded the bases, allowing Sam White to drive in a run. Kelly and Lumsden then delivered back-to-back two-run singles, tying the game at 12-12.
Earlier, Patrick Herrera initiated Kentucky’s fifth-inning lead with a walk and a subsequent score from Hudson Brown’s single. Burkes and Luke Lawrence endured hit-by-pitches in consecutive at-bats, leading to loaded bases, and Cole Hage’s walk pushed through another run. Brown further solidified Kentucky’s stance with a three-run homer in the sixth, setting the score at 11-7.
Benjamin Hudson, now sporting a 3-1 record, took the mound in the eighth and conceded a solo shot to Burkes. Griffin Kirn closed the game with a scoreless ninth inning, securing his first save. Kentucky’s James McCoy relieved in the fourth inning with hopes of halting West Virginia’s momentum but wasn’t able to record an out due to Lumsden and Brodie Kresser’s strong at-bats. The tension this matchup brought to the field was electric, as both teams demonstrated impressive resilience and determination throughout the game.
Home West Virginia edges Kentucky 13-12, secures regional repeat.