West Virginia reached the Men's College World Series on Saturday for the first time in program history. The celebration at Kendrick Family Ballpark, however, was marred by a weather-related incident that left several fans injured.
The Mountaineers defeated Cal Poly 17-1 in the Super Regional in Morgantown. The game was interrupted by a weather delay prompted by a thunderstorm bringing heavy rain and strong wind gusts.
According to officials, the powerful winds caused an event tent next to the ballpark to blow over. The incident resulted in multiple injuries among spectators gathered nearby.
In a statement released after the game, West Virginia announced that at least five people were injured when the storm moved through Granville. The statement confirmed that those hurt were attending the event.
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The University Police Department reported that five individuals had been transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their conditions were not specified in the team’s public communication.
“During the weather delay at today’s NCAA Morgantown Super Regional baseball game, between WVU and Cal Poly, heavy winds blew an event tent over at an adjacent parking lot causing injury,” the university said. The statement also expressed gratitude to EMS, law enforcement, and fire first responders “who immediately secured the area and treated the injured spectators.”
West Virginia emphasized that while the baseball victory was meaningful, the health and recovery of those injured remained the foremost concern. “While it was a great day for Mountaineer baseball, all of Mountaineer Nation’s thoughts are with those who were involved,” the statement read. “We have confirmed through the University Police Department that five people were transported for treatment.”
The weather delay lasted 90 minutes before play resumed. Once the storm cleared, West Virginia completed its dominant win in front of its home fans.
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The Mountaineers’ offense featured 19 hits and five home runs during the contest. The team had scored 29 runs combined across its last two games, advancing to Omaha for the College World Series.
The university’s acknowledgment of the first responders underscored the quick coordinated effort to manage the situation during the severe weather. Fans were assisted and the affected area was promptly secured following the injuries.
Though the day ultimately brought a historic athletic accomplishment, the university message highlighted empathy toward those injured during the game-related weather delay.
The team’s win concluded a memorable Super Regional, even as safety officials dealt with the fallout from the storm. West Virginia’s focus now turns to competing in Omaha, while support continues for everyone impacted in Granville.
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