The No. 23 University of Arizona baseball team (18-5, 5-1 Big 12) secured the program’s first Big 12 road series victory after beating West Virginia University (19-3, 2-2 Big 12) 2-1 in a three-game series at Kendrick Family Ballpark in Morgantown, West Virginia, from Friday, March 21, to Sunday, March 23. Despite the teams splitting the first two games of the series, the Wildcats would reach ahead, securing the series win in a massive 11-4 victory in game 3.
Game 1: Arizona 6, West Virginia 4 (16 innings)
The series opener on Friday was a marathon, lasting 16 innings — the longest home game in West Virginia’s history and the second-longest in the Mountaineers’ program history. Arizona ultimately prevailed 6-4 after Arizona’s second baseman Richie Morales hit a 2-run single in the top of the 16th inning.
The Wildcats struck early, jumping to a 4-0 lead with 2 runs in both the second and third innings. West Virginia responded with 1 run in the fourth and 2 in the sixth, eventually tying the game in the ninth. The deadlock persisted until the top of the 16th, when Morales delivered a bases-loaded single, driving in 2 runs to seal the victory.
First baseman Tommy Splaine reached base five times, going 1-for-4 with a double, four walks and 2 runs scored. Right fielder Brendan Summerhill contributed a hit, an RBI, two walks and was hit by a pitch. Left fielder TJ Adams added a hit and 2 RBIs.
Arizona’s pitching staff was exceptional, combining for a program-record 29 strikeouts, surpassing the previous record of 21 set in 1940. Starting pitcher Collin McKinney pitched 4.2 innings, allowing 1 run on three hits with six strikeouts. Right-handed reliever Julian Tonghini earned the win with three scoreless innings and seven strikeouts, while fellow righty Matthew Martinez secured his first career save.
Game 2: West Virginia 11, Arizona 3
On Saturday, the Mountaineers rebounded with an 11-3 win, handing Arizona its first conference loss and snapping the Wildcats’ 10-game winning streak.
Arizona initially led 2-0 and later 3-2, with Splaine hitting his first home run of the season in the fourth inning to briefly regain the lead. However, West Virginia responded emphatically in the bottom of the fourth, scoring 7 runs to take control of the game.
Arizona’s starting pitcher Owen Kramkowski (1-2) took the loss, surrendering 8 runs, 6 earned, over 3.1 innings. Relievers Raul Garayzar and Carson Johnson provided some stability, combining for 3.2 innings and allowing just 1 run, with Johnson striking out two in a scoreless eighth inning.
At the plate, Splaine went 2-for-3 with a home run, 2 runs scored and a walk. Summerhill contributed a 2-for-4 performance with a double and an RBI, while shortstop Mason White added a double and an RBI.
Game 3: Arizona 11, West Virginia 4
In Sunday’s match, Arizona clinched the series with an 11-4 victory.
Trailing 4-3 entering the eighth inning, Arizona’s offense erupted for 6 runs, highlighted by White’s go-ahead 2-run homer — his 33rd career home run. Catcher Adonys Guzman had a standout performance, going 3-for-5 with 3 runs scored and 2 home runs, marking his first career multi-homer game. Third baseman Maddox Mihalakis also contributed significantly, going 2-for-4 with a home run, 2 RBIs and a walk.
The Wildcats’ bullpen was instrumental in the win, with right-handers Tony Pluta and Casey Hintz (5-0) combining for five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Pluta would throw a no-hitter in his two innings on the mound, only allowing one walk along with one strikeout. Hintz would throw a one-hit three-inning outing, striking out one.
This series victory marks Arizona’s first Big 12 road series win, showcasing the team’s resilience and depth as they continue conference play.
Looking Ahead:
The Wildcats return home for a midweek matchup against Seattle University on Wednesday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m., at Hi Corbett Field. Arizona looks to take the mid-week outing to push further into conference play as they host Baylor University from Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30.
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