Charleston, W.Va. – Charleston split with the Yellow Jackets on the final day of regular season play. The Golden Eagles walked off game one and fell in game two to West Virginia State. Despite the final game loss, the Golden Eagles claimed the #1 Seed in the South Division heading into the MEC Tournament.
 
GAME 1
 
The Basics:
Location: Welch Athletic Complex
Score: UC 3, WVSU 2
Records: UC 39-7 (26-3 MEC), WV State 27-18 (19-10 MEC)
 
How it Happened:
In a thrilling Sunday showdown, the Charleston Golden Eagles secured a dramatic walk-off victory over WV State, edging them out 3-2.
 
The Golden Eagles drew first blood in the third inning when Carter Rust's single brought home a run.
 
However, State seized the lead in the top of the fifth inning when Ethan Spolarich launched a homer to left field, scoring two runs.
 
Charleston was down to their final outs but rallied in the bottom of the seventh. Coach Dean Peterson called upon pitch hitter Cody Li who rose the occasion. With a 2-0 count, Cody Li's launched a ball that landed just inside the line down left field to tie the game for Charleston and electrify the crowd. Eric Chartier then got hit by the next pitch and with two outs one of the top hitters in the country JD Armstrong stepped to the plate. Armstrong singled to right field to score pinch runner Lane Weismiller and clinch the walk-off victory for the Golden Eagles.
 
Jimmy Breen emerged as the winning pitcher for the Charleston Golden Eagles, delivering a stellar performance with one hit allowed and no runs over two and one-third innings.
 
Rust, Armstrong, and Li each contributed with an RBI for the Charleston Golden Eagles, while Casey Fink stood out with a two-hit game and two stolen bases. Charleston Golden Eagles showcased their speed with three stolen bases, emphasizing their well-rounded performance in this exhilarating contest.

The Basics:
Location: Welch Athletic Complex
Score: UC 2, WVSU 5
Records: UC 39-8 (26-4 MEC), WV State 28-18 (20-10 MEC)
 
How it Happened:
Charleston Golden Eagles put up a strong fight until the very end, but WV State managed to secure a 5-2 victory on Sunday, pulling ahead late in the game. The decisive moment came in the top of the sixth inning when Mike Huber's homer to left field drove in three crucial runs, breaking the tie.
 
Charleston initially got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning, with Damian Witty's groundout and Lane Weismiller's fielder's choice each bringing in a run. However, State rallied and tied the game at two in the top of the fourth inning, thanks to Kyle Waters' timely single.
 
Chase Norris pitched an impressive game for WV State, earning the win after allowing four hits and two runs over seven innings, while striking out five and walking five. Bumby Van Meter took the loss for Charleston after surrendering three runs on one hit, striking out two, and walking one.
 
Austin Dzierwa started on the mound for Charleston Golden Eagles, delivering a solid performance by giving up just one hit and no runs over two innings, with one strikeout and one walk.
 
Weismiller led the offensive effort for the Golden Eagles with one RBI, while AJ Karosas, Carter Rust, Kyle Gill, and Cody Li each contributed with one hit. The team turned one double play and showcased excellent defensive prowess by committing no errors.
 
Up Next:
Charleston will play Wheeling University in the first game of the Mountain East Conference Tournament on Wednesday, May 8^th at 3:30PM and the game will be played at GoMart Ballpark.