Full Breakdown
Arizona State Defeats Cincinnati 10-2 in Big 12 Quarterfinal at Surprise Stadium
5/22/2026, 11:59:54 PM
Background & Season Context
Arizona State entered the 2026 Big 12 tournament with a 36-18 overall record and a 19-11 conference mark, the program’s best conference performance since 2011. The Sun Devils were ranked No. 21 nationally and held a No. 48 RPI, positioning them as a No. 3 seed with a double-bye. Cincinnati, the No. 6 seed, had won 10 of its last 12 games, posted a 4.90 team ERA (third in the conference), and led the league with 17 saves. Both teams were seeking to improve their NCAA tournament positioning.
Key Figures & Team Profiles
- Willie Bloomquist – Arizona State head coach, emphasizing health and strategic use of his ace.
- Cole Carlon – Junior left-handed pitcher, 5-2, 3.64 ERA, 118 strikeouts in 71.2 innings; cleared to pitch after “achiness” and a brief illness.
- Kole Klecker – Senior right-handed starter, slated for Thursday’s start after recovering from food poisoning.
- Landon Hairston – Sophomore outfielder, Big 12 Player of the Year, .421 batting average, 27 home runs, 85 hits.
- Jordan Bischel – Cincinnati head coach, commenting on defensive lapses.
Game Overview (Core Event)
- Date & Time: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 8 p.m. MST (11 p.m. ET)
- Location: Surprise Stadium, Surprise, Arizona
- Result: Arizona State 10, Cincinnati 2 (ASU advances to semifinals)
On-the-Ground Report
Arizona State seized an early lead, scoring seven runs in the first four innings. Matt Polk opened the game with a 3-for-4 line and a home run; Hairston added a two-run homer, as did Dominic Smaldino. Cincinnati’s defense faltered, committing four errors and striking out 15 times. The Bearcats’ only clean inning came from reliever Dominic Mauro, who threw a perfect eighth. ASU starter Kole Klecker recorded five strikeouts over four innings, while Taylor Penn added five more in relief, finishing with six shutout innings.
Data & Statistics
- Final Score: ASU 10, UC 2
- Attendance: 2,119 (official count)
- ASU Pitching: Klecker 5 IP, 5 K; Penn 6 IP, 5 K, 0 ER
- UC Pitching: Nathan Taylor 3 IP, 4 H, 5 R (2 ER)
- Team Errors: UC 4 (all uncharacteristic)
- Strikeouts: UC 15; ASU 12 (Klecker 5, Penn 5, others 2)
Official Statements & Responses (Summary)
Coach Bloomquist stressed that the team was “in a good spot” and focused solely on the Cincinnati challenge, noting that Carlon’s health was confirmed and that Klecker would start despite recent illness. He emphasized a “win-or-go-home” mindset and dismissed any perceived home-field advantage. Cincinnati coach Bischel described the defensive miscues as “an anomaly” for his squad.
Criticism & Opposition
Cincinnati’s four errors and high strikeout total drew criticism from analysts who questioned the Bear
