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OMAHA, Nebraska, June 16, 2026 – The College World Series reaches a pivotal stage today as Troy and West Virginia prepare for a high-stakes rematch in Game 9 at Charles Schwab Field. The double-elimination tournament in Omaha has produced a mix of high-scoring offenses and tightly contested pitching duels as the remaining teams battle for a place in the Championship Series. Troy enters the matchup with renewed momentum after a 12-8 victory over Mississippi that knocked the Rebels out of the competition and underscored the Sun Belt program’s offensive depth. West Virginia, by contrast, seeks to regain its footing following a 5-2 loss to North Carolina in its previous appearance. The winner of today’s contest will advance to face North Carolina on Wednesday, keeping alive its bid to reach the Championship Series, which tournament officials have confirmed will begin as a best-of-three set on Saturday, June 20. With only a handful of teams still alive in the double-elimination bracket, bullpen depth has emerged as a critical factor, as coaches increasingly rely on relief arms to navigate pressure-packed innings. Capacity crowds have filled Charles Schwab Field throughout these midweek games, reflecting the rising popularity of college baseball and amplifying the atmosphere as each pitch carries the possibility of elimination or advancement.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.