UCF blanks Siena 16-0 as Landon Moran, DeAmez Ross and Braden Smith headline dominant opener

Landon Moran's grand slam and Braden Smith's six shutout innings lift UCF to a run-rule win over Siena.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Senior first baseman Landon Moran hit a grand slam and junior right-hander Braden Smith pitched six shutout innings as UCF rolled to a 16-0, seven-inning run-rule win over the Siena Saints on Opening Knight at John Euliano Park. UCF extended their dominance in the all-time series to 71-4 with their 33rd consecutive victory over Siena.

Why it matters

UCF's dominant performance on Opening Knight showcases the team's depth and talent, as they look to build on last season's success. The win also extends the Knights' long winning streak over Siena, highlighting their consistent dominance in the series.

The details

Smith set the tone with six scoreless innings in his Division I debut, while Moran's grand slam blew the game open. Senior outfielder DeAmez Ross also had a big game, going 3-for-5 with a homer, three runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base. UCF took advantage of Siena's mistakes, scoring 16 runs on just nine hits.

  • UCF extended their Opening Knight winning streak to five straight years.
  • The Knights have now won 33 consecutive games over Siena.

The players

Landon Moran

A senior first baseman who hit a grand slam and finished with five RBIs in the win.

Braden Smith

A junior right-hander who made his Division I debut and pitched six shutout innings, striking out five and walking just one.

DeAmez Ross

A senior outfielder and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention who went 3-for-5 with a homer, three runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base.

Rich Wallace

The UCF head coach who praised his team's performance and versatility in the lineup.

Jordan Lodise

A freshman shortstop who registered the game's first hit, drew two walks and scored three times.

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What they’re saying

“It was a fun night. Once we got going, it just felt like a regular game. The guys were making plays behind me and we were hitting the ball all over the park. It was a good way to start the weekend.”

— Braden Smith, Junior right-hander (on3.com)

“My approach was just to get the run in. I wanted something I could hit hard. I saw the first pitch I liked and put a good swing on it. The grand slam is great, but honestly the biggest thing is just helping us win.”

— Landon Moran, Senior first baseman (on3.com)

“We know what DeAmez is. He's one of the best players in our league and he just does everything — hits, runs, defends. When your senior captain is flying around like that on Opening Knight, it sets the tone for everybody else.”

— Rich Wallace, Head coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Knights and Saints resume the series Saturday at 1 p.m., with junior right-hander Joey Trombley slated to start for UCF, followed by Camden Wicker in Sunday's finale. Both games will air on ESPN+.

The takeaway

UCF's dominant performance on Opening Knight showcases the team's depth and talent, as they look to build on last season's success and continue their long-standing dominance over Siena. The contributions from newcomers like Braden Smith and Jordan Lodise, along with veteran leaders like Landon Moran and DeAmez Ross, suggest the Knights have the pieces in place for another strong season.