WVU AD Wren Baker Blasts Baseball Coach Steve Sabins Over LSU Loss: “Putting Inferior Players In A High-Classified Match Is Unacceptable”
MORGANTOWN, WV — Tensions erupted in the West Virginia University athletic department following the Mountaineers’ bitter 7–3 loss to LSU in the NCAA Regional opener this past weekend. In a rare public rebuke, WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker delivered scathing criticism of interim head baseball coach Steve Sabins, calling out his lineup decisions as “reckless” and “unjustifiable in a game of this magnitude.”
Baker’s frustration centered on Sabins’ decision to bench two of the team’s top performers — sophomore slugger D.J. Hall and senior center fielder Malik Jennings — for what was widely perceived as a strategic gamble. Instead, lesser-used players were thrust into starting roles. By the third inning, LSU had built a commanding 5–0 lead, capitalizing on defensive miscues and weak offensive production from the replacements.
“Putting inferior players in a high-classified match is unacceptable,” Baker said in an emotionally charged postgame press conference. “This wasn’t a midweek exhibition. This was the biggest stage these kids have played on. You don’t withhold your best horses when the stakes are highest.”
Baker, known for his usually composed demeanor, didn’t stop there. He questioned the internal communication within the baseball program and strongly suggested that the decision blindsided several players and staff members.
“Bench decisions of this magnitude should be vetted, discussed, and grounded in performance data — not gut feelings,” he continued. “We owe it to our student-athletes and to the fans who traveled thousands of miles to support this team.”
Sabins, in his first postseason appearance as interim head coach, defended the move during his own press availability, citing match-up preferences and minor injuries. “We thought we had favorable lefty-righty matchups early in the game, and Malik was dealing with some tightness in his hamstring during pregame,” Sabins said. “It was a difficult call, but we went with what we believed gave us the best shot.”
However, sources close to the team contradicted that narrative. Hall had reportedly taken full batting practice the day before and was not listed on any injury report. Jennings was seen sprinting without restriction during warmups.
The fallout has been swift. WVU alumni flooded social media demanding accountability. Boosters expressed concern over the future direction of the baseball program, particularly with Sabins’ interim status now under intense scrutiny.
As of Sunday morning, Baker had not announced any formal disciplinary action but made clear that internal evaluations were already underway. “We’re not making excuses. Our expectations are higher. This isn’t about one loss. It’s about the decision-making culture we foster in high-pressure situations,” he stated.
The Mountaineers face elimination Monday, and the question looms: Will Sabins double down on his choices, or will the backlash force a course correction?
In postseason baseball, every inning matters. But for WVU, the spotlight now shines brightest not on the diamond, but in the dugout — and on the man making the calls.
