Full Breakdown
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Troy Trojans Open the 2026 Men’s College World Series
6/13/2026, 2:47:20 AM
Historic Opening Game
On Friday, June 12 2026, the West Virginia Mountaineers (45-15) faced the Troy Trojans (38-30) in the first game of the 2026 Men’s College World Series at Charles Schwab Field, Omaha. West Virginia won 5-4, securing the opening victory of the double-elimination bracket.
Background & Context
Both programs made their inaugural CWS appearance. West Virginia entered as the No. 16 national seed after sweeping Cal Poly 29-3 in the Morgantown Super Regional. Troy earned its spot by upsetting Little Rock in a two-game Super Regional, becoming the first 30-loss team ever to reach Omaha.
Key Figures & Groups
- West Virginia: Right-fielder Armani Guzman (38 steals, 39th set a program record), catcher Gavin Kelly (.384 avg, 17 HR), pitcher Chansen Cole (2.85 ERA), left-hander Maxx Yehl (2.10 ERA, Big 12 Pitcher of the Year).
- Troy: Catcher Jimmy Janicki (Sun Belt Player of the Year, 19 HR, 85 RBI), left-hander Benjamin Stubbs (starter), reliever Zach Crotchfelt (3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R), designated hitter Jabe Boroff, head coach Skylar Meade.
Game Summary (Timeline)
- 1st Inning: Guzman stole home on a 0-1 count, giving WVU a 1-0 lead – the first straight steal of home at the CWS since 2000.
- 2nd-4th Innings: WVU added runs, reaching a 5-2 lead; Janicki’s 20th HR tied the game at 5-5 in the 7th.
- 7th Inning: Crotchfelt entered with a 1-0 count, retired the side in 3.1 IP, allowing one hit and two baserunners, preserving WVU’s lead.
- Final: WVU held Troy at 4, winning 5-4.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: West Virginia 5, Troy 4.
- WVU scored in each of the first four innings; Troy’s runs came in the 5th, 6th and 7th.
- Janicki’s homer was his 20th of the season, his 86th RBI.
- Crotchfelt: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R-B-S, 0 R.
- Guzman’s steal marked his 39th of the year, tying a WVU single-season record.
Why It Matters
The matchup marked the first CWS game for two programs, expanding the tournament’s geographic and competitive diversity. WVU’s victory positions the Mountaineers as early contenders, while Troy’s narrow loss underscores the viability of under-dog teams in Omaha.
Official Statements & Responses
- “Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DIRECTV and FuboTV.” – tournament communications.
- “No. 16 national seed WVU Baseball (45-15) makes its Omaha debut against the Troy Trojans (38-30) on Friday.” – WVU athletics release.
- Coach Meade expressed respect for WVU’s recruiting and facilities, noting the Mountaineers’ “awesome program” and “cool place” during his pre-game remarks.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted Troy’s bullpen as a weakness, stating, “Troy’s bullpen has been shaky all year long, with the exception of Zach Crotchfelt.” This assessment highlights a potential vulnerability for the Trojans in future games.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Photo captions captured Guzman’s steal of home and Janicki’s tying home run.
- Reliever Crotchfelt’s strikeout to end the seventh was described as “a fly ball to right on his first pitch for the final out.”
- Pat McAfee hosted a pre-game broadcast at Blatt Beer and Table, adding a media presence to the event.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the game’s start time: some list 2 p.m. ET, others 1 p.m. CT. All agree on the final 5-4 result, but the exact kickoff time remains inconsistent across outlets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They’re winning those because they have an awesome program and it’s such a cool place.” — Skylar Meade, Troy head coach.
- “It was the first time that home plate was stolen at the CWS in over two decades.” — USA Today.
- “Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DIRECTV and FuboTV.” — Tournament communications.
- “16 national seed WVU Baseball (45-15) makes its Omaha debut against the Troy Trojans (38-30) on Friday.” — WVU athletics release.
- “Jump on the bullpen Troy's bullpen has been shaky all year long, with the exception of Zach Crotchfelt, who has been their Ian Korn, an innings eater.” — SI analysis.
What’s Next
The winner advances to the Bracket 1 winner’s game on June 14; the loser moves to the elimination bracket. West Virginia’s next opponent will be determined by the outcome of the North Carolina vs. Ole Miss game later that night.
