USU Eastern Baseball Avoids Sweep, Goes 1-3 Against Vaqueros

Eagles split series with Central Arizona after tough start to road trip

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

The Utah State Eastern baseball team hit the road for a week-long trip to Arizona, where they faced off against the Central Arizona Vaqueros. After dropping the first and third games, the Eagles were able to rebound with an 8-2 win in the second game. However, they were unable to secure the series split, falling 6-3 in the final matchup.

Why it matters

This series against Central Arizona was an important early-season test for the USU Eastern baseball team as they look to build momentum and compete in their conference. The split result shows the team's ability to bounce back after tough losses, but also highlights areas for improvement as they prepare for their next opponent.

The details

In the first game, the Eagles struggled offensively, managing just one run on a Jake Lindsay sacrifice fly. They were then routed 11-1 in the third game, committing three errors that allowed the Vaqueros to capitalize. However, the Eagles were able to even the series with an 8-2 win in the second game, led by a strong pitching performance from Makaio Swensen and timely hitting from Reid Deede, Cam Ford, and Ashton Burnett. The final game saw the Eagles battle, with Jake Lindsay and Bentley Crook each hitting solo home runs, but they ultimately fell 6-3.

  • The series against Central Arizona took place over the course of four games from February 10-11, 2026.
  • The Eagles' next stop on their road trip is a visit to Douglas, Arizona to take on the Cochise College Apaches on February 13-14, 2026.

The players

Makaio Swensen

Pitched a strong six-strikeout performance to lead the Eagles to an 8-2 win over Central Arizona.

Reid Deede

Recorded two hits in the Eagles' 8-2 victory over Central Arizona.

Cam Ford

Collected two hits to contribute to the Eagles' 8-2 win against Central Arizona.

Ashton Burnett

Recorded two hits in the Eagles' 8-2 triumph over Central Arizona.

Jake Lindsay

Hit a solo home run in the Eagles' 6-3 loss to Central Arizona.

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What they’re saying

“This series against Central Arizona was an important early-season test for us, and I'm proud of how the team was able to bounce back after some tough losses. We'll use this experience to continue improving and prepare for our next opponent.”

— Jose Briseno, USU Eastern Assistant SID (castlecountryradio.com)

What’s next

The Eagles will look to build on their split against Central Arizona as they head to Douglas, Arizona to take on the Cochise College Apaches in a two-day series on February 13-14, 2026.

The takeaway

The USU Eastern baseball team's performance against Central Arizona showcases their resilience and ability to bounce back from tough losses, but also highlights areas for improvement as they continue their road trip and prepare for conference play.