The University of Arizona baseball team (19-5) beat Seattle University (9-15) 8-6 on Wednesday, March 26, at Hi Corbett Field. The Wildcats used a trio of home runs and a strong bullpen performance to remain perfect at home with a 14-0 record.
Arizona wasted no time getting on the board. Mathis Meurant hit a sacrifice fly to center field, giving the Wildcats the first score in the bottom of the second. The Wildcats added to their lead in the third when Garen Caulfield crushed a 2-run homer, giving Arizona a comfortable advantage. Later, Easton Breyfogle joined the home run parade with a 2-run blast in the seventh inning, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 8-4. The 3 home runs accounted for 5 of Arizona’s 8 total runs, showcasing the team’s ability to generate offense with power.
Arizona’s offense didn’t just rely on the long ball. The Wildcats racked up 11 hits, with catcher Adonys Guzman leading the way, going 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored and a walk. Mason White also contributed with a 2-for-5 performance that included a double, while Walton finished 2-for-5 with a home run, a double and an RBI.
On the mound, the Wildcats took a bullpen-heavy approach, using nine different pitchers to get through the game. Michael Hilker Jr. made his second start of the season, working two solid innings and allowing just one hit with no runs. Kenan Elarton followed with two scoreless innings, striking out three batters. Matthew Martinez and Raul Garayzar also turned in scoreless outings, with Garayzar striking out three in his lone inning of work. Tony Pluta came in to record the final out of the game, earning his fourth save of the season.
Seattle U attempted to rally late in the game after Arizona had built a commanding lead. The Redhawks chipped away with a single run in the third and eventually tied the game at 4-4 after a 3-run fourth inning. Trailing 8-4 in the ninth, Seattle U loaded the bases with two outs and managed to push across 2 runs — one on a bases-loaded walk and another on a Wildcat wild pitch. However, Pluta slammed the door shut, striking out the final batter to secure the Arizona victory.
Looking Ahead:
The Wildcats return to Big 12 Conference play, hosting a three-game series against Baylor University at Hi Corbett Field from Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30.
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