UMSL Baseball Secures First Win of 2026 Season

Tritons Defeat Central Oklahoma 12-1 at Edmond First Pitch Classic

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) baseball team earned its first victory of the 2026 season with a decisive 12-1 win over Central Oklahoma at the Edmond First Pitch Classic. The Tritons' offense erupted for eight runs in the second inning and never looked back, finishing the game with 14 hits. Pitcher Eli Cartwright delivered a strong performance, earning the win with 5.2 shutout innings.

Why it matters

The win marks a significant turnaround for UMSL after a tough season opener against Pittsburg State. The Tritons' offensive explosion and solid pitching showcase their potential for the rest of the season as they look to build momentum.

The details

UMSL's offense ignited in the second inning, scoring eight runs on eight hits. Key contributors included Mitch Bonczkowski, Cade Grevengoed, Garrett Strenger, and Ayden Cline, each recording a single. Cline's hit drove in the first two runs of the game. The Tritons continued to build their lead, with Ethan Landis and Justin Terhaar adding to the scoring. Owen Faith launched a two-run home run in the fourth, extending the lead to 11-0. Terhaar added an RBI single in the fifth, solidifying UMSL's dominance.

  • The game was played on Saturday at the Edmond First Pitch Classic.
  • UMSL's season opener against Pittsburg State was on Thursday.

The players

Eli Cartwright

The UMSL pitcher who earned the win with 5.2 shutout innings, allowing seven hits while striking out eight and walking three.

Mitch Bonczkowski

An UMSL player who recorded two hits and drove in three runs.

Owen Faith

An UMSL player who hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning.

Justin Terhaar

An UMSL player who recorded two hits and drove in an RBI single in the fifth inning.

Garrett Strenger

An UMSL player who recorded a single in the second inning.

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What’s next

The Tritons will continue their road trip, heading to Shawnee, Oklahoma, to face Oklahoma Baptist on Sunday afternoon. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. At Bobby Cox Field at Ford Park.

The takeaway

UMSL's offensive explosion and solid pitching performance against Central Oklahoma showcase the team's potential for the rest of the season. The Tritons will look to build on this momentum as they continue their road trip.