OMAHA, Neb. – Armani Guzman made his own history in West Virginia’s 7-5 win over the Troy Trojans in the 2026 College World Series.
The Mountaineers’ lead-off hitter got the first run of the game, and the first run of the 2026 College World Series, by stealing home plate. It was the first time a player in the College World Series stole home plate since 2000.
Stole Homaha! pic.twitter.com/2UlA92Arst
— WVU Baseball (@WVUBaseball) June 12, 2026
Guzman breaks stolen base record on a gutsy home plate play
Not only did Guzman record West Virginia’s first College World Series run ever by stealing home plate, but he also set a program record.
Guzman now has 39 stolen bases this season. That is the most stolen bases by a West Virginia player in a single season.
The Mountaineers’ utility man talked about stealing home and setting the record on the same play.
“I think doing it by stealing home was the coolest part,” Guzman said. “It is what West Virginia baseball is known for, and it was really cool to do it on this stage.”
Later in the game, Guzman also had a big RBI double in the fourth inning. This gave West Virginia a 5-4 lead on Troy, and they would hold on to that lead for the remainder of the game.
Up next for West Virginia
The West Virginia Mountaineers will now play the winner between North Carolina and Ole Miss on Sunday, June 14. That game is at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, and the first pitch is at 7 p.m. ET. The game is on ESPN.
WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: West Virginia utility Armani Guzman (5) runs to first base during an NCAA regional baseball game against Binghamton on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Morgantown,W.Va. West Virginia won 10-1. (AP Photo/Mike Buscher)
