The University of Arizona baseball team (7-4) defeated some of the best in the nation during their stint at the Astros Foundation College Classic in Houston from Friday, Feb. 28, to Sunday, March 2. The Wildcats defeated the likes of No. 1 Texas A&M University (6-4) and No. 18 Mississippi State University (7-4), while falling in their final game to the No. 3 University of Tennessee (11-0).
Game 1: Arizona vs. Texas A&M 2 – Friday, Feb. 28 at 6:35 p.m.
In their first game, the Arizona Wildcats rallied late to defeat the No. 1 Texas A&M Aggies 3-2 on Friday night at the Astros Foundation College Classic at Daikin Park, marking the Wildcats’ first win over a No. 1 team since April 20, 2010.
A dominant pitching performance from Arizona’s Collin McKinney (4.0 IP) and reliever Casey Hintz (5.0 IP) combined to hold the Aggies to just two runs on five hits while striking out 13 batters. Hintz earned the win after his relief effort, improving to 2-0 on the year.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Texas A&M striking first in the bottom of the fifth. Wyatt Henseler blasted a two-run homer to left field to put the Aggies up 2-0.
Aaron Walton got Arizona on the board with a solo home run in the sixth to make it a 2-1 game. Then, in the ninth, Arizona mounted a dramatic two-run rally. Maddox Mihalakis doubled off the wall to start the inning and advanced to third on a single from Tommy Splaine. Mihalakis scored on an infield single by Easton Breyfogle, and a fielder’s choice moved Splaine to third. Brendan Summerhill then delivered an infield single to put the Wildcats in front 3-2.
With the lead, Hintz closed out the game in the bottom of the ninth. Despite a potential tying run reaching base with two outs, Hintz induced a strikeout from Jace LaViolette, one of the top prospects in the country, to secure the win. This final strikeout dashed Texas A&M’s hopes, ending the game and giving Arizona the 3-2 victory.
Game 2: Arizona vs. Mississippi State – Saturday, March 1 at 2:35 p.m.
On Saturday the Arizona Wildcats edged out the No. 18 Mississippi State Bulldogs 6-5 in a thrilling contest to open the month.
Arizona’s starting pitcher, Owen Kramkowski (1-1), earned his first career win after pitching six solid innings. The right-hander allowed five hits and four runs while striking out eight batters.
Shortstop Mason White led the offensive charge for the Wildcats, driving in four of their six runs. White’s two-run homer in the first inning helped Arizona jump to an early 2-0 lead, and his two-run single in the second inning extended their advantage to 5-1.
Despite trailing by four runs early, the Bulldogs battled back in the middle innings. In the bottom of the fifth, Aaron Downs scored on a groundout, narrowing the gap to 5-3. Then, in the sixth, Ace Reese drove in Bryce Chance with an RBI double, making it 6-4.
In the bottom of the seventh, Ross Highfill brought Mississippi State within one, scoring on a single by Gehrig Frei to make it 6-5.
The most pivotal moment of the game came in the 9th inning, with Mississippi State threatening to rally with two runners on and no outs. Right-handed reliever Tony Pluta entered the game for the Wildcats and secured his first save of the season, preserving Arizona’s one-run lead and sealing the victory.
On the mound for Mississippi State, Karson Ligon (1-1) took the loss, despite a strong effort from the Bulldogs’ pitching staff, which struck out 18 Wildcat batters and walked only one.
Game 3: Arizona vs. Tennessee – Sunday, March 2 at 9:05 a.m.
In their final game, the Arizona Wildcats put up a strong fight against the undefeated No. 3 Tennessee Volunteers, but they ultimately lost 5-1 in the championship game of the Astros Foundation College Classic on Sunday morning.
Arizona’s single run came in the bottom of the second inning, thanks to a two-out rally. Catcher Adonys Guzman got on base after a double to center field and was quickly brought home when Breyfogle sent a triple flying to left center.
True freshman Smith Bailey turned in a stellar performance in his third collegiate start, holding one of the nation’s most potent offenses in check. Despite being charged with the loss, Bailey (0-1) tossed an impressive 5.1 innings, allowing just two runs on six hits while striking out six.
The Wildcats’ bullpen held its own against the Volunteers, with Pluta working a flawless inning, retiring the side in order with one strikeout. Arizona’s pitching staff held Tennessee to just five runs—tied for their lowest scoring output of the season. The Volunteers entered the game averaging 12.3 runs per contest.
Series overview:
Arizona’s performance at the Astros Foundation College Classic showcased just how dominant its pitching staff can be against some of the top teams in the country. The Wildcats’ arms held No. 1 Texas A&M, No. 18 Mississippi State, and No. 3 Tennessee to a combined 12 runs across three games—an impressive feat considering the high-powered offenses they faced. From McKinney and Hintz stifling the Aggies to Kramkowski earning his first career win against the Bulldogs and freshman Bailey holding Tennessee in check, Arizona’s pitching depth proved to be a major strength. The bullpen was equally reliable, with Pluta and Hintz stepping up in critical moments to secure victories. Though the Wildcats fell short in the championship game, their ability to limit elite lineups should instill confidence as they move forward in the season, especially considering the pitching staff was projected to be the team’s weak spot.
Looking ahead:
Arizona baseball travels home to host Pepperdine University in a four-game home series from Thursday, Mar. 6, to Sunday, Mar. 8. Arizona will be looking to get back into the win column after the disappointing loss to Tennessee.
