UMass Baseball Secures Fourth Straight Win

Minutemen open MAC play with 4-0 record, their best start since 1988

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Massachusetts baseball team has started the 2026 season with four straight wins, their best start since 1988. Under new co-head coaches Brandon Shileikis and Max Weir, UMass defeated Siena 6-2 behind a strong outing from junior pitcher Callen Powers, who struck out seven batters over seven innings. The Minutemen have scored 29 runs and allowed only 17 so far this season, showing both offensive firepower and solid pitching.

Why it matters

UMass is entering its first season in the Mid-American Conference after previously playing in the Atlantic 10. Their hot start is an encouraging sign as the program looks to establish itself in a new league, and the team's combination of strong pitching and timely hitting suggests they could be a contender in the MAC this year.

The details

In the win over Siena, Powers allowed only one runner to reach scoring position through the first five innings, and the Minutemen struck out 10 batters while the Saints went 0-for-5 with runners on base. Freshman Ty Fox provided a spark off the bench, going 2-for-2 with a triple, single and stolen base. UMass broke the game open with a 3-run 6th inning, chasing Siena starter Marcus Botelho.

  • The Minutemen last started a season 4-0 in 1988, 37 years ago.
  • UMass plays the second of three games against Siena on February 28 at 1 p.m.

The players

Callen Powers

A junior right-handed pitcher who struck out seven batters over seven innings in the win over Siena.

Brandon Shileikis

Co-head coach of the UMass baseball team, in his first season leading the program.

Max Weir

Co-head coach of the UMass baseball team, in his first season leading the program.

Ty Fox

A redshirt-freshman who went 2-for-2 with a triple, single and stolen base off the bench against Siena.

Marcus Botelho

The Siena pitcher who was chased in the 6th inning after giving up 3 runs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Minutemen have 29 runs scored and only 17 allowed, with three wins featuring real comeback-ability.”

— Matt Ford-Wellman, Author (dailycollegian.com)

What’s next

UMass will play the third and final game of its series against Siena on February 28 at 1 p.m. in Aberdeen, Maryland.

The takeaway

UMass' hot start to the season, including their best opening record since 1988, suggests the Minutemen could be a contender in their first year in the Mid-American Conference. With a strong pitching staff led by Callen Powers and an offense that has shown the ability to mount comebacks, UMass appears poised to make an immediate impact in their new league.