Home runs sink Arizona baseball in series opener at UCF

Wildcats pitchers allow 4 homers in 11-6 loss to Knights

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:13am

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Arizona's baseball team traveled to Orlando, Florida for a Big 12 series against UCF, but the Wildcats' pitchers struggled, allowing four home runs in an 11-6 loss to the Knights on Friday night. Arizona hit three home runs of its own, including a 2-run shot from Nate Novitske and solo homers by Carson McEntire and Jackson Forbes, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Knights' offensive onslaught.

Why it matters

This loss drops Arizona's record to 9-16 overall and 2-5 in Big 12 play, putting them in a tough spot as they try to climb back into contention. The Wildcats' pitching staff has been an issue all season, and this game highlighted their struggles to contain opposing offenses, especially when it comes to limiting home runs.

The details

Arizona starting pitcher Owen Kramkowski allowed six runs, five of them earned, over six innings of work. Relievers Maclain Roberts and Matthew Martinez also gave up home runs in the loss. On the offensive side, the Wildcats got production from Nate Novitske, Carson McEntire, and Jackson Forbes, who each hit home runs, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Knights' power at the plate.

  • The series opener took place on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • Game 2 of the series is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT on Saturday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Nate Novitske

An Arizona Wildcats baseball player who hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 1st inning.

Carson McEntire

An Arizona Wildcats baseball player who hit a solo home run in the top of the 5th inning.

Jackson Forbes

An Arizona Wildcats baseball player who hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 8th inning.

Owen Kramkowski

The starting pitcher for the Arizona Wildcats, who allowed six runs (five earned) in six innings of work and took the loss.

John Smithill

A UCF Knights baseball player who hit two home runs in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We have to find a way to limit the home runs and keep the ball in the park. That's been an issue for us all season, and it really hurt us tonight.”

— Owen Kramkowski, Arizona Wildcats pitcher

What’s next

The Wildcats will look to bounce back in Game 2 of the series on Saturday, with right-hander Smith Bailey scheduled to take the mound.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the ongoing struggles of the Arizona Wildcats' pitching staff, which has had difficulty containing opposing offenses and limiting home runs. The team will need to make adjustments if they hope to turn their season around and remain competitive in Big 12 play.