WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — West Virginia’s three-run first-inning outburst could have rattled lesser pitchers.
Instead, Wake Forest’s Parker Dunshee turned to Plan B in the NCAA regional showdown.
The ace recovered by using off-speed stuff to deliver seven solid innings, and the Deacons chipped away before grabbing a 4-3 walkoff win on Gavin Sheets’ laser shot in the ninth.
As teammates mobbed Sheets on the infield, the Mountaineers (35-25) shifted into comeback mode themselves, realizing they must post three wins over the next 36 hours to advance.
“There’s probably going to be three or four teams to win a regional this year out of the loser’s bracket,” said West Virginia coach Randy Mazey.