Arizona softball run-rules Baylor in 1st matchup since 2017

The Wildcats exploded late to defeat the Bears 10-2 in six innings

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:48am

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The Arizona Wildcats softball team defeated the Baylor Bears 10-2 in six innings on Friday, in the first matchup between the two teams since their 2017 NCAA Tournament super regional series. After a back-and-forth affair, Arizona broke the game open with a big fifth and sixth inning to run-rule Baylor. The win improved Arizona's record to 25-8 overall and 7-3 in conference play, while Baylor fell to 21-10 overall and 5-2 in Big 12 competition.

Why it matters

This game was a rematch of the 2017 NCAA Tournament super regional, where Baylor defeated Arizona in heartbreaking fashion to deny the Wildcats a trip to the Women's College World Series. While the stakes weren't as high this time, the win allowed Arizona to gain a measure of revenge and showed the team's offensive firepower against a quality opponent.

The details

Arizona starter Jalen Adams went the distance, throwing six innings and allowing two runs on eight hits. The Wildcats' offense came alive late, scoring seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings to run-rule Baylor. Addison Duke had a big game, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs, while Sydney Stewart and Grace Jenkins both hit home runs. Tele Jennings also drove in a key run to put Arizona within one of the run-rule.

  • The last time Arizona and Baylor met was in the 2017 NCAA Tournament super regional, when the Bears defeated the Wildcats.
  • This game was played on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Jalen Adams

The senior pitcher for the Arizona Wildcats, who threw a complete game and earned the win.

Addison Duke

The Arizona outfielder who had a big game, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs.

Amber Toven

The former Arizona player who is now the starting shortstop for Baylor.

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What they’re saying

“They just started putting their swing on it. Ber came into the circle and said we were being too careful and just to go for it and be ourselves...I mean, it's just silly for them to go in and not take some A swings, strike one, strike two. I thought we just got after it and had a different mindset the second half of the game.”

— Caitlin Lowe, Arizona Head Coach

“We were up by a lot, so it didn't if I didn't catch it, it was still foul anyway. So I knew I could go all out for the team...It has Jalen pitching less pitches.”

— Addison Duke, Arizona Outfielder

What’s next

The two teams will meet again on Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m. MST. The game will stream on ESPN+ and the radio call will be on 1400 AM (KTUC).

The takeaway

This win allowed Arizona to gain a measure of revenge against Baylor for their heartbreaking loss in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, while also showcasing the Wildcats' offensive firepower. The team's ability to break the game open late and run-rule a quality opponent like Baylor demonstrates their potential as the season progresses.