WVU takes down Eastern Kentucky in home opener

Yesterday’s matinee was just one of seven games the Mountaineers will play in Morgantown, as the vast majority of their home games will be in Charleston, W.Va.

West Virginia started slowly, but was able to hold off a late rally while defeating Eastern Kentucky 2-1.

"Things haven’t been going our way lately," said West Virginia head coach Randy Mazey. "But we made big pitches at the end of the game, and fortunately, we got a win."

The game was originally slated for a 3 p.m. start but was pushed up to 1:30 p.m. at the last minute because of potentially hazardous weather on the way.

"Had we played at 3 p.m. and had a better crowd, maybe we would’ve come out with more energy," Mazey said. "It was a lazy day all around."

The Mountaineers’ only runs came in the third inning, when designated hitter Matt Frazer hit a two-run, two-out home run to center field.

"We struggled a little bit at the plate," Frazer said. "But it felt great not to wake up, get on a bus and (play on the road)."

Frazer’s home run was just one of the
Mountaineers’ six hits on the day.

Left fielder Jacob Rice, who had the third-best batting percentage in the Big 12 Conference prior to yesterday’s game, went 0-4 from the plate with one strikeout.

Freshman pitcher Ryan Hostrander got the win for the Mountaineers, while Pascal Paul picked up the save. Eastern Kentucky left a man stranded at second base in the top of the ninth inning.

"We’re trying to teach these guys is to not get caught up in results," Mazey said. "If you just worry about the process, the results will eventually come."

Although it’s still early in the season, Frazer and the Mountaineers are confident about the future. Conference play starts in less than two weeks.

"I feel like we’re getting into the swing of things real quickly," Frazer said. "We lost some heartbreakers earlier this year, but sooner or later those games will turn in our favor."

The Mountaineers’ overall record improves to 5-6, and the four teams they play this weekend have a combined record of 16-24.

"This weekend’s huge," Frazer said. "We have four big games, and then we have Pitt before going down to Kansas for conference play."

The Mountaineers won’t return to Morgantown until March 28, when they take on the University of New Orleans.