Griffin Kirn delivered one of the most resilient performances of his career to lead West Virginia University (WVU) to a pivotal comeback victory, showcasing grit, endurance, and veteran poise. The right-hander faced adversity early and often—whether it was a shaky opening frame, a prolonged weather delay, or a soaring pitch count—but never wavered. His tenacity on the mound was the foundation for WVU’s turnaround, and by the end of the night, Kirn had notched his 11th win in 15 starts this season, improving to an impressive 11-4 record.
The game didn’t begin smoothly for Kirn or the Mountaineers. A rough first inning saw multiple batters reach base, and the opposing team capitalized with an early lead. Kirn struggled with command, falling behind in counts and laboring through long at-bats. But what separated this outing from a typical bad day at the office was how he responded. Rather than unraveling, Kirn settled down, adjusted his approach, and began hitting his spots with more consistency. His fastball command returned, his off-speed pitches started to bite, and he methodically worked through the middle innings, keeping WVU within striking distance.
Adding to the drama was a lengthy mid-game delay that could have thrown off his rhythm entirely. For most pitchers, a delay of over an hour—especially after already throwing 60-plus pitches—would spell the end of their night. Not for Kirn. When play resumed, he returned to the mound, picking up right where he left off. It was a testament to both his mental toughness and physical preparation.
Kirn would go on to throw 118 pitches over seven innings, striking out seven while walking just two. He allowed a few scattered hits but prevented any big innings, repeatedly escaping jams with well-timed strikeouts and weak contact. His ability to strand runners was key, as it gave WVU’s offense the breathing room it needed to find its rhythm.
On the offensive side, the Mountaineers slowly chipped away at the deficit. A pair of timely hits in the fifth tied the game, and a two-run blast in the sixth gave WVU the lead it would not relinquish. Kirn, pitching with the advantage for the first time all night, dug even deeper in his final inning of work, retiring the side in order and pumping his fist as he walked off the mound to a roaring ovation.
This outing exemplifies why Kirn has become the ace of the WVU staff. With his 11th win of the season, he not only added to his personal accolades but also solidified his role as a tone-setter heading into the postseason. His leadership and reliability are invaluable to a team with championship aspirations.
In the end, Griffin Kirn’s performance was about more than numbers. It was about overcoming adversity, leading by example, and showing the kind of toughness that can define a season. For WVU, it may very well be a turning point, and Kirn will be remembered as the pitcher who made it possible.
