Categories: College University Athletics

Baylor University Baseball Clinches Big 12 Tournament Spot

The Baylor Bears celebrate their thrilling comeback win, securing a place in the Big 12 Tournament.

News Summary

Baylor baseball secured a spot in the Big 12 Tournament with a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over UCF. The team showcased resilience, scoring three runs in the ninth inning to overcome a deficit. Senior catcher Cortlan Castle and outfielder Ty Johnson played crucial roles in the comeback, while Gabe Craig earned his 10th save of the season. This victory assures Baylor’s place in the championship and underscores their ability to perform under pressure as they head into postseason play.

Orlando, FL – Baylor baseball has secured a spot in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament after a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over UCF in the series opener on Thursday night. The win improved Baylor’s overall season record to 32-20 and their conference record to 12-16, handing them a crucial victory needed to clinch a postseason berth.

With this win, Baylor needed just one victory or a loss by BYU to solidify their place in the tournament. The Bears executed a dramatic comeback, scoring three runs in the ninth inning to overcome a 4-2 deficit. This marked the team’s 14th come-from-behind victory of the season, showcasing their resilience and determination on the field.

Senior catcher Cortlan Castle played a pivotal role in the ninth inning, delivering a game-tying RBI single that helped spark the Bears’ resurgence. Additionally, senior outfielder Ty Johnson made a critical play by stealing third base, eventually scoring the go-ahead run following a throwing error by UCF’s catcher.

Gabe Craig, a sixth-year senior and closer for Baylor, added to the team’s success by retiring UCF in order during the ninth inning, earning his 10th save of the season. Starting pitcher Mason Green provided solid support, pitching five innings and allowing only one earned run while striking out two batters.

UCF managed a brief lead in the seventh inning, scoring two runs that allowed them to pull ahead 4-2 before Baylor’s comeback. Throughout the game, Baylor effectively capitalized on UCF’s struggles, taking advantage of four errors, three of which were instrumental in their ninth-inning scoring spree.

Following this loss, UCF’s record now stands at 28-25, with an 8-20 mark in conference play. The two teams are set to continue the series, with game two scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, which will also serve as Senior Knight for UCF, honoring their graduating players.

Baylor’s triumph not only assures them of a tournament spot but also establishes them as the No. 11 seed in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship, which is set to take place next week at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. As Baylor prepares for the tournament, they will aim to build upon this momentum and leverage their late-game heroics in the challenging landscape of postseason play.

The Bears have demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure, making them a team to watch as they make their case in the upcoming championship. The close games and resilient performances through the season have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to their 2023 baseball season.