Arizona Baseball: Wildcats Survive, move within one game of Championship

On the brink of elimination again, Arizona Baseball came up strong in a moment of desperation, defeating Oklahoma State in a must-win situation.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. This mantra certainly seems to be the rallying cry for the Wildcats as they live to see another day at the College World Series in Omaha.

With the convincing 9-3 win over Oklahoma State, Arizona moves within a game of advancing to World Series for the first time since 2012. Additionally, Arizona improved to 5-0 on the year in elimination games.

Senior Nathan Bannister got the start for the Cats and pitched masterfully; that is until he was pulled in the third inning due to an apparent injury or soreness suffered to the forearm of his pitching arm.

Arizona’s Coach Johnson has been using their star pitchers for extended innings in the tournament, with so many games already being played, the strategy has been resulting in wins. Not much is known about the injury, and we will work to keep our readers informed of his status moving forward, but the senior felt a little discomfort and tightness in that throwing arm, and it seems the move was entirely precautionary.

Coach Jay Johnson spoke after the game; it was the coaches decision to pull him.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead over the Cowboys, using timely hitting to drive in three runs in the first two innings. Junior Kevin Ginkel came on in relief for the Wildcats, replacing Bannister in the third inning, picking up the win, and improving to 5-1. However, he surrendered two runs on two hits in his one and one-third inning of work.

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Senior Zach Gibbons and sophomore JJ Matijevic led the Wildcats’ offensive surge today, combining for six hits in 10 at-bats, driving in three runs, and scoring two.

Arizona really broke open the scoring in the 8th inning, when Sophomore Jared Oliva scored from third on an error by Oklahoma State. Senior Ryan Aguilar came up to bat next, driving a single through the left side of the infield, making it 6-2 Cats!

The Wildcats would add three more runs in the 9th inning before sophomore Cameron Ming would finish the game, and close the door on the Cowboys’ offense. Ming pitched a fantastic game today, coming on in relief, throwing five, strong innings, surrendering just one run on two hits.

Arizona’s clutch performance today certainly didn’t seem to disappoint the dugout, as they were seen enjoying themselves in true Wildcats fashion.

With the win, Arizona lives to see another day in Omaha. The dog days of summer are certainly upon us, and watching Arizona Baseball to continue playing hot this late into the season, makes it all the better. With the win, Anchorman Casey Bowman’s interviews live another day!

must read: Arizona Wildcats Fans: Top 20 Fantasy Experiences Including two for Baseball

The final game against Oklahoma State will be tomorrow as part of a doubleheader; TCU faces Coastal Carolina in a second elimination game. The start time has not been announced. We will let you know when it is. BearDown, Arizona Baseball!