Arizona rallies to beat Utah 8-6 in 11 innings in Big 12 opener

Wildcats overcome 5-run deficit, tie game in 9th before winning in extras

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:53pm

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Arizona overcame a five-run deficit and rallied for two runs in the top of the 11th inning to beat Utah 8-6 in the Big 12 opener for both teams at Salt Lake City on Friday night. After falling behind 6-1 in the sixth inning, Arizona (7-10) started to chip away against Utah (9-6), plating a run in the seventh and then putting together a four-run rally in the ninth inning, highlighted by Caleb Danzeisen's three-run homer to tie the game up at 6. In the top of the 11th, Arizona capitalized on a wild pitch that allowed Maddox Mihalakis to score before Carson McEntire lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to bring home Beau Sylvester, giving the Wildcats their first lead of the night at 8-6.

Why it matters

This comeback win for Arizona is an important early-season victory in the Big 12 conference, as the Wildcats look to build momentum and make a push for the postseason. Utah has been one of the top teams in the conference so far, so this win over a quality opponent could pay dividends down the road for Arizona's tournament resume.

The details

Arizona starter Owen Kramkowski had a solid outing, scattering nine hits in 5 1/3 innings and allowing six runs (four earned) with eight strikeouts and only one walk. Clorey King pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief before Garrett Hicks entered in the seventh and closed the door, pitching three scoreless innings to earn the win. Danzeisen's three-run homer in the ninth inning was the big blow that tied the game, while Mihalakis and McEntire provided the go-ahead runs in the 11th.

  • The game took place on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • Arizona scored four runs in the top of the 9th inning to tie the game at 6-6.

The players

Caleb Danzeisen

An Arizona player who hit a game-tying three-run home run in the 9th inning.

Maddox Mihalakis

An Arizona player who scored the go-ahead run in the 11th inning on a wild pitch.

Carson McEntire

An Arizona player who hit a sacrifice fly in the 11th inning to drive in the insurance run.

Owen Kramkowski

The Arizona starting pitcher, a graduate of Walden Grove High School.

Garrett Hicks

The Arizona relief pitcher who earned the win by pitching three scoreless innings.

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What’s next

Arizona will return to the field on Saturday at 1 p.m. for the second game of the series against Utah.

The takeaway

Arizona's resilience and ability to rally from a large deficit against a quality opponent like Utah demonstrates the Wildcats' potential to be a contender in the competitive Big 12 conference this season.