What to know about West Virginia, Troy baseball’s first College World Series opponent

The wait is finally over. Troy baseball’s historic season has reached the sport’s ultimate stage, as the Trojans prepare for their College World Series debut in Omaha this Friday at 1 p.m.

Standing in their way is West Virginia. As the No. 16 national seed, the Mountaineers earned their trip to Nebraska by sweeping Cal Poly in the Morgantown Super Regional. Much like the Trojans, Friday’s showdown marks the very first College World Series appearance in West Virginia program history.

A Look at the Mountaineers

West Virginia enters Omaha with an impressive 45-15 overall record, boasting a 21-9 mark in Big 12 play. After a tough loss to Kansas in the Big 12 tournament championship, the Mountaineers fought through the loser's bracket to win their home regional, knocking off Binghamton, Wake Forest, and Kentucky twice. Their Super Regional run was far more dominant, outscoring Cal Poly 29-3 across two decisive victories.

Arms and Offense

Success for West Virginia starts on the mound, where their 3.79 staff ERA ranks seventh in Division I. The rotation features a formidable duo in Maxx Yehl and Chansen Cole. Yehl acts as the ace, holding a 2.10 ERA—the best among all qualified pitchers in Omaha—alongside 105 strikeouts in 90 innings. Cole is equally dangerous, carrying a 2.85 ERA and 106 strikeouts over 94.2 innings, including a stellar 11-strikeout performance in seven innings against Cal Poly.

In the bullpen, the Mountaineers look to Ian Korn, Reese Bassinger, and Carson Estridge. Despite a rocky showing in the regionals, Korn remains a key arm, maintaining a 3.07 ERA and 63 strikeouts throughout the season.

The Star Power

Offensively, all eyes will be on sophomore Gavin Kelly. With a .384 batting average—the third-highest among all players in Omaha—plus 17 home runs and 57 RBI, he is a force at the plate. Recognized as Baseball America’s fifth-best prospect for the 2027 MLB Draft, Kelly is a versatile threat who splits time between catcher and second base.

While the Mountaineers lean on Kelly for power, they remain a gritty, well-rounded club. They rank in the top 40 nationally in stolen bases, led by Armani Guzman, who has swiped 38 bags in 41 attempts this season.