A six-run fifth inning propelled BYU to a 14-5 victory over No. 23 West Virginia Thursday night at Miller Park in Provo.

BYU improves to 14-9 on the year and 4-3 in the Big 12, while No. 23 West Virginia drops to 20-4 and 2-3 in conference play.

West Virginia scored the first four runs of the night before the Cougars posted 14-straight runs, highlighted by six in the bottom of the fifth, for their largest victory in a Big 12 conference game. Luke Anderson was 5-for-5 recording four singles, a double and three RBIs.

“We got a couple of big hits tonight and then it got contagious,” said BYU head coach Trent Pratt. “It is going to be a dog-fight tomorrow because they’re good. I expect us to come out, throw more strikes and be tough at the plate.”

West Virginia jumped out to an early lead in the top of the second inning, scoring four runs on four hits, all with two outs.

The Cougars responded with runs in the bottom of the second and third. Ryker Schow walked, Easton Jones singled to left field and Parker Goff walked. With two outs and the bases loaded, Crew McChesney also walked to bring in Schow.

Anderson then doubled in the third and a Bryker Hurdsman singled scoring Anderson. The Cougars then trailed 4-2.

BYU scored six runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead 8-4. Ryder Robinson ended up on first due to a West Virginia error and later scored on an Anderson hit. With the bases loaded, Brock Watkins popped up to shortstop in the outfield behind second base and Anderson tagged to score another run. The sacks were stacked once again when Jones doubled to right field and Hurdsman tallied a run. The Cougars’ final runs of the inning came from a McChesney double that scored Goff, Jones and Keoni Painter.

In the bottom of the sixth, Anderson recorded his fourth hit in his fourth at-bat. A Hurdsman single advanced Anderson before Watkins tallied his second RBI of the game and Anderson scored his second run of the night. BYU increased its lead to 9-4.

Anderson notched his fifth hit of the game in the bottom of the seventh with bases loaded and two outs. The left fielder bdrove in Jones and Painter to stretch BYU’s lead to 11-4.

An RBI double from Watkins in the bottom of the eighth increased the Cougars’ lead to eight at 12-4, then Goff capped off BYU’s scoring with a double that led to two runs for BYU.

Meanwhile the BYU bullpen of Justis Reiser, Brayden Marx and Brett Hansen was outstanding, holding WVU to just four hits and one run, while striking out four over 4.2 innings of combined work. Reiser got the win, his third of the season.

The Mountaineers tallied a run in the ninth for the final score of 14-5.

BYU played its second game against West Virginia on Friday and is scheduled to finish the series at Miller Park in Provo on Saturday. The first pitch scheduled for 1:30 p.m. MDT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and BYU Radio.

Cougar softball shut out by No. 9/11 Arizona

BYU softball fell in the first game of a three-game series with Arizona, 8-0 at Gail Miller Field on Thursday night.

The Cougars (20-7, 4-3 Big 12) were unable to get on base in the five inning run-rule contest, resulting in a perfect game for the Wildcats.

fter a scoreless first inning, Arizona took the lead with a two-run homer to center field.

The Wildcats singled to bring a runner home in the third. With the bases loaded, Arizona then doubled to right center field, driving in three more runs to extend its lead to 6-0.

In the top of the fourth, BYU recorded three quick outs, but the Wildcats answered with three outs of their own to maintain their lead.

Arizona hit an RBI double to open the fifth inning, extending its lead to 8-0 over the Cougars. With the BYU unable to score in the bottom of the fifth due to a trio of groundouts, the game concluded in an 8-0 Arizona win.

The two teams played again on Friday and will finish the series on Saturday.

BYU women’s tennis upsets No. 56 Iowa State

The BYU women’s tennis team defeated the Cyclones at home on Thursday, Mar. 27, aided by a ranked upset from Grace Levelston and three-set comeback win from Bobo Huang.

The Cougars are now 15-6 overall and 5-3 in the Big 12, with a four-match win streak.

BYU will return to the Outdoor Tennis Courts in Provo on Saturday, Mar. 29, against No. 39 Kansas. Check the BYU women’s tennis schedule for links to live stats and livestreams.

Cougar women’s basketball’s Calvert, Whiting earn academic honors

Emma Calvert and Amari Whiting were named 2024-25 Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators (CSC) on Tuesday.

The CSC Academic All-District award recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. To be eligible for nomination, the student-athlete must be a starter or significant contributor and maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA.

BYU men’s tennis falls to No. 2 TCU

No. 57 BYU men’s tennis fell 4-0 against No. 2 TCU in Provo on Thursday evening.

The Horned Frogs secured the doubles point with the first two matches leaving the third unfinished. Both matches won were within two games and the third was at a tie.

In the singles matches, despite close play and multiple first set wins the Cougars were unable to secure a match before TCU got the three points they needed to end the contest.

The Cougars stay at home to face No. 15 Baylor on Saturday.