The University of Utah’s baseball team opened its first Big 12 Conference home series in dramatic fashion, taking two of three games from the defending conference champion Arizona Wildcats at Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark.
Across three tightly contested games, Utah showed resilience and late-game grit, walking off Arizona in back-to-back contests to secure the series. The Wildcats claimed Game 1, 8–6 in 11 innings, before the Utes responded with a 7–6 win in 10 innings in Game 2 and an 8–7 walk-off victory in Game 3.
The series marked Utah’s first Big 12 home games at Charlie Monfort Field, continuing a historic stretch for the program in its new ballpark.
Game 1: Ninth-inning collapse leads to extra-inning loss
Utah appeared poised to start conference play with a win in Friday’s opener, carrying a late lead into the ninth inning.
However, Arizona rallied with four runs in the top of the ninth to force extra innings before eventually pulling away for an 8–6 victory in the 11th.
The late-game collapse proved frustrating for Utah, which had controlled much of the game before the Wildcats’ rally. Head coach Gary Henderson acknowledged the challenge of closing out tight games late.
“We can all agree that it’s frustrating,” Henderson said. “The remedy is simple: get ahead in the count and miss down.”
Henderson said pressure situations can sometimes affect pitchers’ command late in games. “The moment becomes big, the breathing becomes shallow, and there’s a little bit of tension in the body,” Henderson said. “All of a sudden, the command isn’t quite what it should be.”
Game 2: Utah walks it off in the 10th
Saturday’s matchup delivered another tense finish.
Utah again held a late lead before Arizona tied the game in the top of the ninth, forcing extra innings for the second straight night. This time, the Utes responded.
In the bottom of the 10th inning, Utah executed a sequence of small-ball plays to set up the winning run, eventually capitalizing on a defensive mistake by Arizona to secure a 7–6 walk-off victory.
Henderson praised the team’s execution in the decisive inning. “It’s kind of how you draw it up,” Henderson said. “You get the bunt down, get the runner over, bring him in, and then we take advantage of their mistake, throwing the ball into center field.”
Despite the emotional swings of the game, Henderson emphasized how proud he was of the team’s response after losing Game 1. “I thought the fight was outstanding,” Henderson said. “I shared that with the club. I’m proud of them.”
Game 3: Another walk-off seals the series
Sunday’s finale delivered yet another dramatic finish.
Trailing late, Utah scored twice in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure an 8–7 walk-off victory and clinch the series against the defending conference champions.
Outfielder Zakye Hawkins delivered the game-winning RBI in game two, along with crucial at-bats in game three, staying calm at the plate despite the pressure of the moment.
“Just keep it simple,” Hawkins said. “Don’t make the moment too big. Minimize everything and put the ball in play as hard as I can.” With two strikes during the at-bats, Hawkins shortened his approach and focused on making solid contact.
“I knew they had sinker-slider guys,” Hawkins said. “Just see everything up, spit on everything down, and put the ball in play hard to get the job done.” The clutch moment reflected the team’s mindset throughout the weekend.
“We’re a bunch of dogs,” Hawkins said. “We’re going to fight to the end, no matter how it goes. Everyone comes in every day, puts in the hard work, and is ready for the opportunity.”
Momentum at a new home
The series win not only gave Utah a strong start in conference play but also added another memorable chapter to the program’s first season at Charlie Monfort Field.
After opening the stadium with a four-game sweep the previous weekend, the Utes followed it up by defeating the reigning Big 12 champions in front of energized home crowds.
While Henderson acknowledged there are still areas to improve — particularly closing out games late — he believes the experience will help the team moving forward.
Utah now carries both momentum and confidence deeper into Big 12 play, proving it can compete with the conference’s top programs while delivering dramatic moments in its new home ballpark.