Arizona Wildcats Break the Ice with First Win of 2025 Season
The Arizona Wildcats finally shook off their early-season woes, snagging their first victory of 2025 with a thrilling 5-4 win over Connecticut. This win not only halts a daunting six-game losing streak but also injects some much-needed momentum into Arizona's campaign.
Early Lead and Late Drama
The Wildcats got off to a promising start, jumping to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Andrew Cain set the tone with a sacrifice fly, and Roman Meyers capitalized on an RBI fielder's choice to extend the lead. However, the game was far from over.
Connecticut clawed back, leveling the score with a two-run double from Evan Menzel. As the tension mounted, Chris Polemeni's double in the eighth inning nudged Connecticut ahead, 3-2. It looked like Arizona might be staring down a seventh straight defeat.
Eighth-Inning Rally
But the Wildcats weren't ready to fold. Tony Lira came up clutch, smashing a double on a full count that brought Cash Brennan home, tying the game at four.
Roman Meyers continued his impactful night by singling in Lira, pushing Arizona back in front. Carson McEntire then delivered a critical insurance run, driving in Meyers to make it 5-4.
Closing the Deal
The final innings were nail-biting. Arizona's new closer, Garrett Hicks, entered with the task of securing a two-inning save.
Despite a rocky start, including allowing two earned runs and a home run to Jackson Marshall, Hicks managed to hold on until Evan Brandt took over. Brandt coolly forced a flyout and a strikeout, sealing the Wildcats' first win of the season.
Arizona and Connecticut will face off again to conclude their four-game series on Sunday, with the Wildcats looking to build on this hard-earned victory.