PARKERSBURG – The WVSSAC Board of Directors has approved the expansion of the high school state baseball tournament for the 2026 season.

The field will expand from its current format of four teams per class to eight teams in each of the four classes.

The recommendation was brought forward by the Baseball Coaches Advisory Committee and supported by a survey of member schools. The results showed overwhelming support for the change. A total of 86 schools were in favor and four were opposed.

The WVSSAC will begin accepting bids to host the 2026 state baseball tournament following the conclusion of the 2025 championships.

The schedule for the 2026 state baseball tournaments covers an eight-day span. The format is is as follows: Class A quarterfinals on Saturday; Class AA quarterfinals on Monday; Class AAA quarterfinals on Tuesday; and Class AAAA quarterfinals on Wednesday. Class A and AA semifinal games are scheduled for Thursday followed by the Class AAA and Class AAAA semifinals on Friday.

Championship games for all four classes are scheduled for the next day on Saturday.

Three area teams are seeking a spot in this year’s state tournament. Competing in a best-of-3 region format are Gilmer County against Man (Class A), Williamstown against Wheeling Central (Class AA) and Ripley against Herbert Hoover (Class AAA).