KINGSPORT, Tenn. – WVU Tech opened the 2026 baseball season Monday with a doubleheader against No. 6 University of the Cumberlands at Hunter Wright Stadium, gaining valuable early-season experience against one of the NAIA's top programs.
The Golden Bears dropped the opener, 17-0, before settling in during the nightcap, where they showed improved offensive execution and steadier pitching in a 10-3 setback.
WVU Tech broke through offensively in the second inning of game two after drawing a pair of walks and capitalizing on a defensive miscue. Ethan Dylan Turner put the Golden Bears on the board with an RBI fielder's choice, and Jonas Franti followed with an RBI single up the middle to cut the deficit to 4-2.
Turner added WVU Tech's third run in the fourth inning with an RBI single, continuing to apply pressure against a nationally ranked pitching staff.
Out of the bullpen, the Golden Bears pieced together several encouraging stretches. Aidan McGlothlin limited the damage over 2.1 innings, allowing just one run, while Carson Brown closed the game with two scoreless frames, striking out two and holding Cumberlands off the scoreboard late.
WVU Tech finished the second game with three runs on three hits and forced the Patriots into three errors, continuing to work through early-season timing at the plate while facing elite competition.
Golden Bear Highlights
- Ethan Dylan Turner drove in two runs in game two, accounting for WVU Tech's first RBIs of the season.
- Jonas Franti added an RBI single, providing production in the middle of the lineup.
- Carson Brown tossed two scoreless innings of relief, striking out two to stabilize the bullpen late.
- Aidan McGlothlin delivered efficient innings out of the bullpen, allowing just one run.
- Monday marked Opening Day for the Golden Bears, who gained valuable experience against a top-six national opponent.
What's Next
WVU Tech returns to action Tuesday with a non-conference doubleheader at Milligan University.
