The University of Arizona baseball team (0-4) fell 3-1 to the University of Nebraska Omaha (1-3) Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Hi Corbett Field. Despite the loss, the Wildcats showcased a dominant performance from their bullpen and another strong showing at the plate by Tony Lira.
Arizona continues to struggle in the early part of the season, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. These missed chances have repeatedly stalled their offensive production and contributed to their disappointing record so far.
Game recap
Freshman pitcher Jack Lafflam started strong, striking out two batters in the opening inning. However, Arizona was unable to maintain momentum, going 1-2-3 in their first at-bat. The Mavericks took advantage in the second inning, scoring three runs after a pair of walks and a single. Chase Diggins delivered a double down the left field line, bringing home all three runners. Arizona struggled to respond following this scoring burst.
Lafflam managed another strikeout in the third before being replaced by Mason Russell, who added two more strikeouts to finish the inning. Caleb Danzeisen sparked the Wildcats’ offense with a double to left center. Nate Novitske drew a walk, and Lira added an infield single, advancing Danzeisen to third and Novitske to second. Unfortunately, a fly-out by Cain ended the inning, leaving Arizona frustrated.
The fourth inning was marked by five combined strikeouts between both teams. Matthew Martinez came in for Arizona, replacing Russell, and delivered another impressive performance from the mound. Despite strong pitching, Arizona was unable to generate any offensive momentum in the fifth and sixth innings.
Corey Kling replaced Martinez in the seventh and managed to work around a walk and a single, leaving two Mavericks stranded on base. In the bottom half, Easton Breyfogle singled up the middle and Carson McEntire walked, but both runners were left stranded. This continued Arizona’s offensive struggles.
The eighth inning followed a familiar pattern with the Wildcat bullpen effectively shut down the Maverick offense, but Arizona failed to bring home baserunners. Lira continued his strong season, adding a single to left center.
Garrett Hicks closed out the ninth inning for Arizona with two strikeouts. In the bottom of the ninth, Beau Sylvester and Breyfogle managed to reach base, giving Arizona a last chance. Jackson Forbes doubled to right field, bringing home Sylvester for the Wildcats’ first run and advancing Breyfogle to third. Novitske walked, loading the bases with two outs. However, the game ended when Omaha struck out Maddox Mihalakis, sealing the win.
Looking Ahead
The Wildcats return to Hi Corbett Field on Thursday, Feb. 19, to open a four-game series against University of Connecticut at 6 p.m.
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