The University of Arizona baseball team (0-3, 0-0 in Big 12) lost all three of their games over the weekend at the College Baseball Series in Surprise, Arizona. Following a deep post-season run in 2025, the Wildcats have had a sluggish start to the season.
Game one: Arizona vs. Stanford University
No. 24 Arizona dropped the first game of the season to Stanford University, 10-7. The Wildcats collected 11 hits and overcame multiple deficits throughout the game, including a 3-run rally in the fourth inning. Beau Sylvester started the offense with a leadoff double and Tyler Bickers drove in 2 runs with a single.
Junior Owen Kramkowski opened the game strong, recording two strikeouts before allowing runs in the second and third innings. After five innings, Arizona and Stanford were tied 5-5, but Stanford broke the game open with 5 runs in the sixth inning.
Roman Meyers and Carson McEntire hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning, but the Wildcats’ comeback fell short.
Matthew Martinez was the star in the opener with seven strikeouts and allowed just one hit throughout three innings.
Game two: Arizona vs. Oregon State University
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Smith Bailey delivered a strong performance on Saturday, Feb. 14. The Wildcats scored 5 runs in the fifth and sixth innings, positioning Arizona for its first win of the season. However, Oregon State University responded with a double from Jacob Galloway that brought in 2 runs, followed by two singles that each drove in a run.
The Wildcats lost again in Surprise, Arizona, 7-6.
Bailey had an encouraging outing, allowing just three hits through six innings and recording four strikeouts. Tony Lira was the most productive hitter, going 3-for-4 with a clutch RBI in the ninth inning to cut the lead to 1.
Mathis Meurant contributed 2 RBIs in the fifth and sixth innings, while Nate Novitske and Andrew Cain also drove in runs with singles.
Game three: Arizona vs. University of Michigan
Arizona lost its third consecutive game, 4-1, on Sunday, Feb. 15 to the University of Michigan. Arizona was favored to win with Collin McKinney on the mound, but Michigan capitalized on scoring chances while the Wildcats stranded runners.
Arizona’s best scoring opportunity came in the opening inning when Cain reached base and Lira singled up the middle, putting runners on the corners. Lira then stole second, putting the Wildcats in a strong position to take the lead. With two outs, Novitske struck out which left Lira and Cain stranded.
Michigan responded immediately in the bottom of the first, as a sacrifice fly from Colby Turner brought home Brayden Jefferis.
The Wildcats tied the game in the fourth inning when Lira doubled to left center and Sylvester drove him in with an RBI single. McEntire grounded into a double play, ending the inning.
Michigan regained the lead in the bottom of the inning with two singles and an additional RBI base hit from Greg Pace Jr.
Arizona’s offense cooled off for the remainder of the game, managing just three hits in the final five innings.
McKinney was the standout player on Sunday, recording eight strikeouts and keeping Arizona competitive.
Looking ahead
Arizona baseball will have an opportunity to regroup and get back on track on Tuesday, Feb. 17, when they host their home opener against the University of Nebraska Omaha. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Hi Corbett Field and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
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