The University of Arizona baseball team (20-8, 6-3 Big 12) suffered its first Big 12 series loss against Baylor University (19-8, 4-5 Big 12) from Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30, at Hi Corbett Field. The Wildcats lost the series 1-2 after losing the first two games of the homestand.
The Wildcats entered the series undefeated at home through 14 outings, including three Big 12 wins over the University of Cincinnati from Friday, March 14, to Sunday, March 16.
Game 1: Baylor 8 – Arizona 5
The Wildcats suffered their first home loss this season in game one of the series, falling to Baylor 8-5. The Wildcats took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Mason White tripled and scored on a two-out single. However, Baylor responded in the second inning, capitalizing on pitcher Collin McKinney’s struggles. After four walks and Tyriq Kemp’s 2-run single, the Bears led 2-1, prompting McKinney’s early exit.
Baylor’s 2-run homer in the fourth extended the lead to 4-2 over the Wildcats. Arizona narrowed the gap with runs in the third and fifth innings, but the Bears pulled away with 2 runs in the sixth and added insurance in the ninth.
Arizona’s offense was led by White and catcher Adonys Guzman. White went 3-for-5 with 3 runs scored, including a triple in the first inning — Arizona’s 17th triple of the season. Guzman contributed a 2-for-4 performance with 2 RBIs. Designated hitter Maddox Mihalakis also added 2 hits and an RBI.
The Wildcats’ bullpen provided some stability; right-handers Garrett Hicks and Matthew Martinez combined for 3.2 innings, allowing just 1 run and 2 strikeouts.
Game 2: Baylor 6 – Arizona 3
Baylor’s offense ignited early in the game. In the top of the first inning, Baylor was able to capture an early 1-0 lead after scoring off a groundout to third base. The second inning saw Baylor extend their advantage to 3-0 with an RBI single and a successful bunt.
The third inning proved pivotal. Baylor capitalized on Arizona’s defensive miscues, adding 3 more runs to their tally. With runners on second and third and one out, a fielder’s choice allowed Baylor to score. Subsequent errors by the Wildcats enabled additional runs, pushing Baylor’s lead to 6-0.
Arizona responded in the bottom of the third. After loading the bases, Guzman delivered a crucial two-out, 2-run single, narrowing the deficit to 6-2. The Wildcats continued to threaten in the fifth inning. They loaded the bases once more and managed to score a run on a Baylor error, bringing the score to 6-3. However, with the bases still loaded, Baylor’s bullpen extinguished the rally by inducing a groundout to end the inning.
For the Wildcats, starting pitcher Owen Kramkowski endured a challenging outing. The right-hander pitched 5.0 innings, surrendering 6 runs, 4 earned, on 4 hits. Despite the rough start, Arizona’s bullpen provided a silver lining. Right-handed reliever Raul Garayzar was particularly impressive, tossing 4.0 scoreless innings and conceding just 3 hits without issuing any walks.
Offensively, Arizona struggled to find momentum. The team managed only 5 hits, all singles, and left 10 runners on base throughout the game. Guzman stood out with a 1-for-4 performance, driving in 2 runs and drawing a walk. Center fielder Aaron Walton contributed by going 1-for-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 walks.
Game 3: Arizona 11 – Baylor 6
In the third game, the Wildcats avoided a Baylor series sweep, winning 11-6. The Wildcats won the game in the first inning, scoring 10 runs, sending 14 batters to the plate. Arizona’s 10-run first inning was their first such inning since March 3, 2024, when the Wildcats faced Indiana University.
The offensive surge was electric. Starting on just the second at bat, Walton hit a 2-run homer. Gunner Geile, a freshman right fielder, would knock in his first 2 RBIs of his collegiate career. TJ Adams fired a 2-run double down the left field line. Walton wasn’t done just yet; in his second at-bat of the inning, he hit an RBI single to center field. White would hit the second 2-run double of the inning. The icing on the cake for the Wildcats came when Guzman closed out the inning with another RBI double, pushing the Wildcat advantage to 10-0.
White would post the last Arizona score for the outing, with a solo home run in the third inning. This homer would be the 34th of his career and fifth in the season.
On the mound, freshman right-hander Smith Bailey started for Arizona, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing 4 runs with three strikeouts. Relievers Garrett Hicks, Julian Tonghini and Tony Pluta combined for 3.0 scoreless innings with only 3 hits and two strikeouts. Tonghini (3-0) earned the win after aiding in the remaining Baylor shutout in the last four innings.
Looking Ahead:
The Wildcats look to have a short break as they head up to visit GCU (17-10, 5-1 WAC) at Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark in Phoenix on Tuesday, April 1, at 6:00 p.m. Arizona looks to get back on its groove after dropping the series against Baylor.
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