WACO, Texas — It was an inauspicious start to the Big 12 season for the West Virginia baseball team following a 10-4 loss at Baylor, completing a sweep for the Bears.
The Mountaineers (13-10, 0-3) jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning following a sac fly by Marques Inman and two-run single by Kevin Brophy, forcing Baylor starter Ryan Lockich out of the game.
Kade Strowd started on the mound for West Virginia and held the Bears (16-6, 3-0) to one run through six innings, but it started to fall apart in the seventh inning.
Holding onto a 4-1 lead, Strowd retired two of the first three batters of the frame, but back-to-back singles by Ryan Loftin and Richard Cunningham scored two runs. After an intentional walk, Strowd was replaced by Beau Lowery, who gave up a bases loaded walk and two-run double to Andy Thomas to give up the lead that the Bears wouldn’t relinquish.
Strowd was charged with the loss to fall to 2-2 this season. Luke Boyd (1-1) earned the win for Baylor.
Baylor added three more runs in the eighth inning to put the game out of reach. The ninth inning was not played due to both teams agreeing before the game that a new inning would not be played after 4 p.m. due to West Virginia’s travel schedule.
After being shutout Saturday, WVU struggled again offensively after the first inning. It mustered seven hits, led by Paul McIntosh’s two, including a home run.
The Mountaineers will play against Marshall at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston.
