No. 15 West Virginia battled through adversity and delivered a dominant late-game surge to defeat Houston, 7-1, evening the series.

The Mountaineers overcame early setbacks after losing key contributors Gavin Kelly and Maxx Yehl to injury in the same inning. From there, Ian Korn stepped in and took control, delivering five strong innings of relief while allowing just one run to keep WVU in position.

West Virginia broke through in the fifth inning as Armani Guzman used his speed to manufacture a run—beating out a double play, stealing second and third, and scoring on a squeeze bunt from Matthew Graveline.

The Mountaineers then blew the game open with back-to-back three-run innings in the sixth and seventh. Brodie Kresser made an impact in his return from injury, driving in two runs, while Guzman and Brock Wills each recorded multi-hit performances.

Reese Bassinger closed out the win with two perfect innings as WVU improved to 26-9 (11-6 Big 12).

🎥 Game Notes:
📍 Kendrick Family Ballpark — Granville, WV
⚾ Final: WVU 7, Houston 1
🔥 Key Performer: Ian Korn (5 IP, 1 ER)

West Virginia looks to take the series in Sunday’s rubber match.