TUCSON, AZ – Beginning conference play against Cal, Arizona Baseball (12-3) swept the visiting Golden Bears to open Pac-12 action.
Riding a six-game winning streak entering this weekend’s action, Arizona Baseball returned to the baseball diamond to take on Cal for the start of Pac-12 play.
Taking on the Golden Bears for a three-game stint, fans could finally get a good look at our Wildcats and how they stack up in the conference.
Using an offensive barrage in all three games, the Wildcats came ready to play in this one as they outscored the Golden Bears 30-12, earning the three-game sweep.
Dominating both on the mound and at the plate, Arizona Baseball extended its winning streak to nine games.
Game 1:
Turning to TJ Nichols on Friday evening, the junior right-hander was dealing as he lasted six-and-two-thirds innings, surrendering just two runs on five hits as he struck out nine Bears batters.
He would be relieved by Dawson Netz and Eric Orloff who continued the dominance for the Cats as they held Cal scoreless through the final two-plus innings of play.
Despite Cal jumping out to the early, two-run lead in the top of the second inning, Arizona rebounded in a big way, plating runs in the second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth to come away with the dominant, 13-2 win.
Arizona would be led by Kiko Romero who went a perfect 4-4 from the dish with six RBIs. Garen Caufield would have a huge day as well, hitting 2-5 with four RBIs. Both Romero and Caufield would hit home runs in this one.
Game 2:
Turning to Bradon Zastrow on Saturday evening, the left-handed junior would have a respectable day in this one as he threw four innings and scattered three runs on four hits. Unfortunately, his day would be cut short as he would eventually be relieved by Casey Hintz, Chris Barraza, and Trevor Long.
Together, the Wildcats held their own against the Golden Bears, and although Cal totaled five runs, the offense did just enough to earn the win in this one.
Led by a few different offensive players, it was Romero again that had a solid day as he finished 3-4 from the dish with one RBI. However, it was Tyler Casagrande that was the difference-maker in this one! Also hitting 3-4 from the plate, Tyler brought in three, massive RBIs to help fuel Arizona in the 7-5 win!
Game 3:
Hoping to earn the sweep in this one, Arizona would look to Aiden May. Getting the start on the bump for the Cats, May would get roughed up a little early, but overall, he rebounded in a big way as he lasted six innings, surrendering three runs on seven hits as he struck out eight.
Derek Drees, Netz, George Arias, Jr., and Long would come on in relief in sequential order as they shut things down on the Golden Bears.
Despite Cal jumping out to the early lead in this one, Arizona’s offense persevered in the end, scoring eight runs over the final four innings to come away with the 10-5 win!
Arizona would get a lot of offensive contributions in this one, but it was Kiko and Mac Bingham that were dominant in this one, hitting a combined 5-8 from the plate with a combined five RBIs to help the Cats in their sweep.
Where does Arizona Baseball go from here?
With the sweep, Arizona improves to 12-3 on this young season and will return to action on Wednesday to take on perennial power, Cal State Fullerton! First pitch against the Titans is set for 6:00 P.M. PDT in Fullerton, Calif.
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