Bearcats Fall Short Against Arizona State: Game Two Recap and Highlights – University of Cincinnati Athletics

CINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati baseball team faced off against Arizona State this Saturday, but couldn’t clinch a win, falling 7-4 to the Sun Devils.

After a dramatic comeback the night before, where the Bearcats (20-14, 7-7 Big 12) erased a four-run deficit, Saturday’s game didn’t turn out the same way. They got close in the fifth inning but fell short.

Cincinnati struggled at the plate, managing only four hits against Arizona State’s pitching duo, Jack Martinez and Cole Carlon. The Bearcats scored all their runs in the fourth and fifth innings, closing the gap from a 4-0 deficit to just one run. However, the Sun Devils (23-12, 9-5 Big 12) answered back, extending their lead with two more runs in the sixth inning.

Key contributions for Cincinnati came from redshirt senior Kerrington Cross, sophomore Jack Natili, and sophomore Cal Sefcik, who all drove in runs. Sefcik and senior Tommy O’Connor also had doubles, which were the only extra-base hits for the Bearcats.

Starting pitcher Kellen O’Connor was one of four pitchers used during the game – alongside junior Christian Mitchelle, senior Michael Conte, and redshirt junior Joel Pineiro.

In the top of the first inning, Arizona State struck first with three runs. They added another run in the fourth. Cincinnati responded by scoring two runs in the fourth and another two in the fifth. Cross’s sacrifice fly and a throwing error helped pull them within one run, but the Sun Devils sealed the game with two more runs in the sixth. Carlon secured a four-inning save, blanking Cincinnati for the remainder of the game.

Looking ahead, Cincinnati will play a crucial series against Oklahoma State at UC Baseball Stadium from April 25-27. Fans can also catch midweek games against Xavier on April 15 and Indiana on May 13.

For those interested in attending future games, the excitement is far from over this season! You can check ticket availability through the official UC athletics site.

In a broader context, the struggle the Bearcats face isn’t unique. College baseball has become highly competitive, with many teams showcasing impressive talent. Recent statistics indicate that attendance at college games is on the rise, highlighting the growing interest in collegiate athletics. An increase in TV viewership, especially during NCAA tournaments, reinforces this trend.

This season, Cincinnati’s fans will be keenly watching how their team adapts and responds to these challenges. With resilience, every game remains a chance for an exciting comeback.

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