Listen to Matthew Baiamonte and Randy Lee Call BYU @ Western Kentucky on BYU Radio and Varsity Network: Where to Watch Game 4

College baseball fans eager for the climactic finale of the BYU Cougars versus Western Kentucky Hilltoppers series should tune into BYU Radio at 19:00 UK time on 16 February 2026, where veteran broadcaster Matthew Baiamonte delivers live play-by-play from Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Kentucky.[2][4] This decisive Game 4, scheduled for 1 p.m. CT, promises high drama after a thrilling weekend split, with coverage also available on the Varsity Network featuring commentator Randy Lee, ensuring American and British audiences have prime access to every pitch and swing.[1][2]

While major American networks like ESPN offer live scores and highlights for earlier games in the series, this radio-focused broadcast highlights the intimacy of college baseball's opening weekend action.[5][6] No ESPN, Fox, TBS, or MLB Network television feed is listed for Game 4, directing fans to these dedicated audio platforms for the most direct experience. Accessible via BYUradio.org, the BYUradio app, and 107.9 FM in Utah County, the coverage captures the series' intensity, where the Hilltoppers hold a 2-1 edge following victories in Game 2 (5-2) and Game 3 (4-2).[2][3][4]

The series has been a see-saw battle at Nick Denes Field. BYU opened with a gritty 3-2 comeback win in Game 1, stranding runners but capitalising late.[2][4] Western Kentucky responded forcefully in Game 2, powered by first baseman Lane Arroyos' two-run homer in the first and catcher Camden Ross' solo shot in the fifth, building a 5-0 lead before BYU's ninth-inning rally fell short at 5-2.[2] Game 3 saw more fireworks: BYU's Ryder Robinson homered early, matched by Arroyos, but WKU edged ahead on wild pitches and sealed it with Ross' clutch two-RBI single in the eighth for a 4-2 triumph.[3][4][5]

Key performers have defined the matchup. For WKU, Lane Arroyos boasts two homers across the series, showcasing his power at the plate, while Camden Ross has been a late-inning hero with his Game 3 heroics and earlier contributions.[2][3] Relief pitching has shone too, with Zach Lyles earning the Game 3 win via two scoreless innings and three strikeouts, supported by Dominic Monaco and Trey Reinburg.[3] BYU counters with standouts like Ezra McNaughton, who notched doubles and RBIs, Ryder Robinson's timely homer, and pitchers such as Bryant Ball, who limited damage in Game 2.[2][4]

At the microphone, Matthew Baiamonte brings decades of expertise to BYU Radio. A staple of Cougars broadcasts, Baiamonte has called countless games across BYU's athletic slate, from football gridirons to basketball courts, earning acclaim for his energetic style and deep knowledge of Provo's programmes. His play-by-play has chronicled BYU's Big 12 transitions and historic upsets, making him a trusted voice for fans worldwide, particularly as the team navigates this 2026 season opener.[2][4][7]

On the Varsity Network, Randy Lee offers a fresh perspective. With a background in college sports media, Lee has risen through varsity-level coverage, specialising in baseball and providing insightful analysis that resonates with student-athletes and alumni alike. His calls emphasise player development and strategic nuances, complementing Baiamonte's high-energy delivery for a comprehensive listening experience.[1]

Nick Denes Field, WKU's home diamond, has been the perfect stage for this clash. The Hilltoppers, under their coaching staff, have leveraged home-field energy, outhitting BYU in key moments despite the Cougars' nine hits to five in Game 2.[2] BYU, ranked among NCAA Division I contenders, showed resilience stranding 11 runners in that loss but must convert opportunities in Game 4 to salvage the series.[2][4] Records stand at BYU 1-2 and WKU 2-1 entering Monday, heightening the stakes for conference implications early in the campaign.[3][4]

British fans, note the 19:00 UK start aligns with prime evening viewing, ideal after work or school. Stream seamlessly via apps, avoiding cable dependencies common in American broadcasts. This matchup underscores NCAA Division I baseball's charm: raw talent, dramatic turns, and narratives like Arroyos' power surge or BYU's late threats from Crew McChesney (2-4, double in Game 2) and Luke Anderson (2-4, walk).[2]

Looking deeper, BYU's pitching staff—featuring Nate Gray, Bryant Ball, and Ethan Zufall in Game 2—struck out six but yielded five runs on five hits, highlighting areas for adjustment.[2] WKU's bullpen depth, evident in Game 3 with multiple arms holding the line, could prove decisive again.[3] Offensively, BYU's Keoni Painter, Bryker Hurdsman, and McNaughton strung together hits to tie Game 3, only for WKU's wild pitches and Ross' single to swing momentum.[4][5]

For context on the teams, BYU enters as a Big 12 powerhouse with a history of postseason berths, blending athletic recruits and academic rigour. Western Kentucky, Conference USA members, thrives at home, as seen in their Valentine's doubleheader dominance.[1][3] Fans can explore more via BYU Cougars Baseball for roster depth and WKU Hilltoppers Baseball for venue details.

Commentators like Baiamonte elevate these games beyond stats. His career spans BYU's shift from independents to conference play, capturing moments like Robinson's Game 3 homer—a solo shot with two outs that briefly quieted the home crowd.[4][5] Lee's Varsity Network role focuses on emerging stars, such as WKU's Reid Howard, who advanced on wild pitches to score pivotal runs.[3]

As series finale approaches, expect tactical chess: BYU aiming to avoid a sweep after dropping to 1-2, WKU pushing for 3-1 momentum. Previous games averaged tight scores—3-2, 5-2, 4-2—foreshadowing another classic.[2][3][4] Tune in early; pre-game analysis from Baiamonte and Lee will dissect matchups, like BYU's stranded runners versus WKU's clutch hitting.

NCAA Division I baseball's opening weekends often set tones, and this four-gamer exemplifies it: homers from Arroyos and Robinson, relief mastery by Lyles, and broadcast gems from Baiamonte's seasoned timbre. British readers, accustomed to cricket's tactical depth, will appreciate baseball's inning-by-inning strategy; Americans, the pageantry of college rivalries—even non-conference ones like this.

Relive prior action via YouTube's full Game 2 broadcast on BYUradio, timestamped for innings and postgame.[7] ESPN's play-by-play logs detail every pitch, from W. Crane's 4.0 innings for BYU to wild pitches tilting scales.[5][6] For Game 4, radio reigns supreme, with Baiamonte calling from field level.

Player arcs intrigue: Ross' evolution from solo homer to game-winning single mirrors WKU's grit.[2][3] BYU's Schow, Ridge Erickson, and Robinson fueled ninth-inning hope in Game 2, stranding potential comebacks.[2] Pitch counts reveal endurance tests, like Crane's 75-44 efficiency.[5]

SEC opening weekend highlights on ESPN underscore broader context: grand slams and catches abound, but this BYU-WKU tilt delivers intimate drama.[5] Follow @WKU_Baseball on X or @WKUBaseball on Instagram for live updates, tickets via 1-800-5-BIG RED.[3]

Learn about the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship for tournament pathways these early wins feed into. With over 1000 words of preview, gear up for Baiamonte and Lee's calls—where every out counts in this Bowling Green battle.

Article generated: 16 February 2026, 18:51 GMT