EUGENE, Ore. — The Arizona Wildcats baseball team is riding a wave of momentum after an electrifying performance in the Eugene NCAA Regional, where they not only set program records but also secured a decisive sweep to advance to the Super Regionals for the first time under Head Coach Chip Hale.
Saturday night’s showdown against the Utah Valley Wolverines was nothing short of historic. The Wildcats erupted for a staggering 14-4 victory at PK Park, powered by a record-breaking offensive display that included eight home runs and 14 extra-base hits—both single-game program records. Shortstop Mason White was the star of the night, smashing three home runs and driving in four runs on a 4-for-5 performance. White’s three-homer feat made him the ninth player in Arizona history to achieve such a milestone and the first to do so in a postseason game. His seventh-inning double also tied him for the most career extra-base hits in program history with 110.
Joining White in the home run barrage were Brendan Summerhill, Aaron Walton, Adonys Guzman, Garen Caulfield, and Tommy Splaine. Caulfield’s eighth-inning homer was the record-breaking blast that vaulted the Wildcats into uncharted territory. The offensive fireworks were complemented by stellar relief pitching from right-handers Casey Hintz and Michael Hilker Jr., who combined for six near-perfect innings. Hintz earned the win to improve to 7-4 on the season, while Hilker Jr. notched his first career save, striking out seven batters and issuing no walks.
The Wildcats carried this momentum into Sunday’s Eugene Regional final against Cal Poly, delivering a dominant 14-0 shutout to sweep the regional and punch their ticket to the Super Regionals. The victory marked a milestone for Coach Chip Hale, who notched his 150th win with the Wildcats in just 242 games, surpassing his predecessor Jay Johnson.
The offensive onslaught continued unabated. Aaron Walton was the standout, belting three two-run home runs in the first, second, and sixth innings, becoming just the 10th player in Arizona history to hit a three-homer game and the second in as many days following Mason White’s Saturday heroics. Walton’s first two homers came off former Arizona left-hander Josh Morano, who now pitches for Cal Poly. Junior third baseman Maddox Mihalakis also had a career night, hitting two home runs to spark the Wildcats’ early scoring surge.
Arizona wasted no time setting the tone in the first inning, sending nine batters to the plate and scoring five runs. The early attack included a two-run homer by Walton, two infield singles, a wild pitch, and a groundout that all contributed to the quick lead. The Wildcats added three more runs in the second inning, highlighted by Walton’s second two-run homer and Mihalakis’ solo shot.
Freshman starter Smith Bailey was equally impressive on the mound, delivering six scoreless innings while scattering four hits, striking out five, and walking just one. Bailey’s performance marked his second quality start in three outings and the fifth quality start for a Wildcat pitcher in the last seven games. He has been a key factor in Arizona’s recent success, allowing only two runs in his last three appearances combined, including a Big 12 championship clincher.
The bullpen was rock solid as well, with Hunter Alberini, Julian Tonghini, and Matthew Martinez each pitching scoreless innings to close out the game. Martinez secured the final out with a strikeout, completing the shutout—the Wildcats’ first in an NCAA Tournament game since 2021.
Arizona’s offensive production during the regional was staggering: 15 home runs in three games, 20 in six postseason contests, and 33 in their last 13 games. This power surge dwarfed their 42 home runs in the first 48 games of the season. Tommy Splaine, who homered twice during the regional, was a key contributor, earning a spot on the Eugene Regional All-Tournament Team alongside Walton, White, Garen Caulfield, and Adonys Guzman. White was named the regional MVP, adding to his accolades after being named Most Outstanding Player in the Big 12 Tournament.
The Wildcats’ success continues a remarkable pattern for Arizona baseball. Since their 2004 College World Series appearance—ending an 18-year drought—the program has reached at least the Super Regionals every fourth NCAA Tournament, with appearances in 2008, 2012, 2016, 2021, and now 2025. This consistency underlines the program’s sustained excellence and its ability to perform on the big stage.
Looking ahead, Arizona awaits its Super Regional opponent, which will be determined by the outcome of a winner-take-all game on Monday between No. 5 overall seed North Carolina and Oklahoma. If North Carolina prevails, the Wildcats will travel to Chapel Hill for the series. Should Oklahoma win, the NCAA will decide whether Arizona or Oklahoma will host the Super Regional. The Wildcats have a chance to host if the Sooners advance.
Coach Hale remains focused and motivated, emphasizing that the team isn’t satisfied yet. “I hope that's how they feel,” Hale said. “That's how I feel. I feel like this team has more on their mind.” Veterans like Mihalakis echoed this sentiment, reflecting on past disappointments and the drive to keep pushing forward. “Last year was definitely a disappointment. We had such a great season. I think it left a sour taste in a lot of the mouths of the people who came back,” Mihalakis said. “This year we just played with that extra chip on our shoulder coming here in this regional. Going down the final stretch of the year, we really turned it on and played our baseball. We’ve just been putting our best foot forward every day. Being able to come out here (and have) success is great, and it's awesome to be able to keep going.”
With their potent offense, dominant pitching, and a palpable hunger to advance further than they have in recent years, the Arizona Wildcats are a team to watch as they prepare for the Super Regionals. Their journey continues, fueled by record-setting performances and the promise of more to come.
