WVU Baseball Preview: Mountaineers Host #11 Texas Tech in Pivotal Series

Your West Virginia Mountaineers (20-12) (4-5) are hosting the #11 Texas Tech Red Raiders (22-9) (5-4) this weekend in a pivotal series for both programs.

WVU is on fire, winners of 6 of their last 7 ballgames, including consecutive series victories over then-ranked opponents, #19 Oklahoma and #23 Oklahoma State. However, this weekend’s matchup vs. TTU will prove to be the most difficult thus far.

The Red Raiders are good. How good? Well, they have players ranked in the Top 5 of the Big XII statistical leaderboards in every offensive category. They’re coming off a regular season Big XII title in 2018 and an appearance in the College World Series. However, just like in the conference men’s basketball tournament this year, WVU ousted TTU last May in the Big XII quarterfinals with a 12-4 win.

Texas Tech Red Raiders: Who to Watch For

Texas Tech has the top 2 RBI guys in the Big XII in their lineup, so it’s no surprise that they average a staggering 8.4 runs per game. Although their pitching isn’t elite, it’s still respectable as they’ve posted a 4.22 ERA as a team in 2019.

• Brian Klein (Jr., 2B) is seemingly always on base for Texas Tech. His 44 hits lead the ballclub and his .383 BA is 3rd in the Big XII. That impressive line combined with his 27 walks give him an on-base percentage of nearly 49%. He also has driven in 34 runs (2nd in the conference) and scored 28 times. Out of the 5-hole, Klein is a bat to watch out for.
• Cameron Warren (Sr., 1B) is leading the conference in RBI’s with 40. As a 6-hole hitter, that’s a RBI total that jumps out at you, as typically the run producers are higher in the lineup, but Warren has been able to really produce in the bottom half of the Red Raider lineup this year. He also has hit a team-leading 8 home runs and scored 30 times in 2019.
• Gabe Holt (So., RF) is a speed demon in the outfield. He leads the Big XII with 19 stolen bases to go along with his .290 batting average and 18 RBI’s atop the TTU lineup. Holt can really fly, so keeping him off the basepaths will be crucial for WVU this weekend.
• Dylan Neuse (So., CF) is 4th in the Big XII in batting average with a great .368 line. He’s also hit 5 home runs, driven in 29 runs and stolen 12 bases in 2019, along with leading TTU with 5 triples.

With a series victory this weekend, the Mountaineers will likely break into the Top 25 rankings. Come cheer your boys on as they look to continue their scorching hot start to the season! Let’s go, Mountaineers!