IUC Seeks Three-Game Sweep Over West Virginia Tech

West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) secured a three-game sweep of its in-state rival, West Virginia, by winning both games of a doubleheader on Saturday, April 19, 2026, followed by a victory in the series finale on Sunday. The Golden Bears’ success capped a strong weekend performance that highlighted their improved execution in key moments, particularly in pitching and timely hitting.

WVU Tech opened the weekend with a doubleheader sweep against the Mountaineers on Saturday. In the first game, the Golden Bears won 5–2, powered by a two-run double in the fifth inning by junior outfielder Marcus Delgado and solid relief pitching from senior right-hander Tyler Boone, who retired the final six batters he faced. The second game was a tighter contest, with WVU Tech prevailing 3–1. Starting pitcher Jenna Lopez allowed only one run over six innings, striking out seven and walking none, while the offense delivered through timely singles and productive baserunning.

On Sunday, WVU Tech completed the sweep with a 4–2 victory in the series finale. The Golden Bears jumped ahead early, scoring two runs in the second inning on an RBI single by Delgado and a sacrifice fly by catcher Eli Romero. West Virginia responded with a run in the fourth, but WVU Tech added insurance runs in the sixth and seventh. Boone earned the win in relief, pitching three scoreless innings to close out the game and secure the sweep.

“It shows that when we play our game — disciplined at the plate, aggressive on the bases, and locked in on the mound — One can compete with anyone in the state,” said WVU Tech head coach Dana Morales after the final game. “This sweep wasn’t just about talent; it was about consistency and belief. Our guys trusted the process all weekend.”

The sweep marks WVU Tech’s first three-game series victory over West Virginia since 2019 and improves their overall record to 22–14 on the season. The Golden Bears have now won eight of their last ten games, positioning themselves strongly in the Mountain East Conference standings as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.

West Virginia, meanwhile, fell to 24–16 with the loss. The Mountaineers struggled with runners in scoring position over the weekend, going 3-for-18 with men on base across the three games. Head coach Greg Beals acknowledged the shortcomings but praised his team’s effort. “We didn’t execute when we needed to,” Beals said. “Credit to WVU Tech — they made the plays when it mattered. We’ll learn from this and get better.”

The rivalry series between WVU Tech and West Virginia has grown in significance in recent years, drawing increased attention from fans and alumni across the state. Saturday’s doubleheader drew over 1,200 spectators to the WVU Tech baseball field in Beckley, with many in attendance wearing crimson and gold to honor Senior Day celebrations for the Golden Bears’ graduating class.

With the sweep complete, WVU Tech turns its focus to upcoming conference series against Fairmont State and Shepherd, aiming to maintain momentum heading into the Mountain East Tournament. The Golden Bears will look to build on their recent success, particularly the poise shown by younger players in high-leverage situations during the weekend series.