Aces Baseball Heating Up After Midweek Thriller

Young Aces squad finding their groove with improved pitching and timely hitting

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:07am

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The University of Evansville Purple Aces baseball team has won three of their last four games, including a thrilling 5-4 walk-off victory over Indiana this week. After a slow 6-17 start to the season, the Aces have started to find their groove with strong pitching performances and timely hitting, led by freshman catcher Spike Magill.

Why it matters

The Aces' recent success comes after a difficult start to the season, which is understandable given the team's youth and inexperience. The ability of the young squad to turn things around and start winning games is an encouraging sign for the program's future.

The details

Head coach Wes Carroll credited the team's improved pitching and defense as the keys to their recent turnaround. Starters Max Hansmann and Tanner Graham have been giving the Aces quality outings, allowing the offense to come through in close games. Freshman catcher Spike Magill noted that the team has been focusing on doing the 'little things' right, which has led to the 'big things' like the walk-off win.

  • The Aces won 3 of their last 4 games, including a 5-4 walk-off victory over Indiana on April 1, 2026.
  • The Aces also won two games over Illinois State this past weekend (March 28-29, 2026).
  • The Aces started the season with a 6-17 record before turning things around.

The players

Wes Carroll

Head coach of the University of Evansville Purple Aces baseball team.

Max Hansmann

Starting pitcher for the University of Evansville Purple Aces.

Tanner Graham

Starting pitcher for the University of Evansville Purple Aces.

Spike Magill

Freshman catcher for the University of Evansville Purple Aces.

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What they’re saying

“We're pitching extremely well, we're getting quality starts from all of our starters, and that sets the tone for going deep into games. What we're getting out of Max Hansmann, Tanner Graham right now has given us a really good effort on the weekend to give us a chance to win a ball game, and then defensively we're making the plays we need to, and the timely hitting is starting to come along, so just as it's warming up, this Aces team is starting to warm up too.”

— Wes Carroll, Head Coach

“It's been awesome, as a freshman in college baseball, it's not an easy thing, especially playing these big teams early in the year, it gets you ready to play. It's the little things, you do the little things right, the big things come with, such as walk-offs. All the little things on defense, and then hitting too, getting ready to hit right when you step into the box.”

— Spike Magill, Freshman Catcher

What’s next

The Aces will take the diamond next on the road this Friday, April 4, 2026 at Bradley.

The takeaway

The University of Evansville Purple Aces baseball team has shown resilience and growth after a difficult start to the season, demonstrating the potential of their young squad through improved pitching, defense, and timely hitting. This turnaround is an encouraging sign for the program's future.