West Virginia opened fall ball with its first Gold vs. Blue scrimmage at Kendrick Family Ballpark, offering a first look at the 2027 team after a 47-17 season that brought the program’s first College World Series appearance and a final-four finish.
Gavin Kelly returns after hitting 19 home runs, tying WVU’s single-season record, and earning First Team All-America and All-Big 12 honors. Armani Guzman, Tyrus Hall and Matt Ineich also return. Guzman was among the Big 12’s top base stealers, while Ineich earned All-Big 12 honorable mention. Newcomer Slade Barton, a Morgantown native and First Team All-State selection ranked No. 1 in West Virginia in his class, and sophomore pitcher Weston Smith are also players to watch.
WVU finished 2026 ranked No. 4 in several major polls. Another Gold vs. Blue scrimmage is scheduled for Friday, followed by a game against Indiana on Sunday; more fall games are planned throughout October as coaches assess roles ahead of opening day.
