The University of Arizona baseball team, struggling to defend its home field at Hi Corbett Field, will host Texas Tech in their first Big 12 home series of 2026.
Since 2012, Arizona has won over 70 percent of its games at home, laying the foundation for four trips to the College World Series. But this season, the Wildcats are 4-6 at home, including 0-3 in midweek matchups, after Tuesday’s loss to New Mexico.
Injuries Mount for Arizona
Arizona’s struggles at home are compounded by a growing list of injuries. These injuries have resulted in more freshmen playing and being put into high-pressure situations, leading to mistakes.
A fourth pitcher is likely out for the season, as Texas Tech transfer JT Drake is receiving a PRP injection in his arm. Freshman shortstop Cash Brennan is dealing with a high ankle sprain, joining three injured outfielders.
Hale Seeks Turnaround
Coach Chip Hale is looking for ways to turn things around. He said he may need to draw on his experience from difficult seasons as a coach and manager.
“I’ve been through some really bad seasons in my career as a coach and a manager and head coach, so I just keep looking for ways to motivate them,” he said. “I’m not a big fear coach, but I think at some point guys have to understand if you’re not producing and you’re not playing the game the way we expect here at Arizona, that someone else is going to get an opportunity.”
According to Hale, the options to make changes are dwindling.
Freshmen Seize Opportunities
The injuries to position players have opened the door for younger players to gain experience. Many of these younger players have taken advantage of the opportunity.
True freshman Caleb Danzeisen reached base three times on Tuesday. He also hit a 3-run home run with two outs in the top of the 9th at Utah to tie a game that Arizona won in 11 innings.
“I’ve never felt that way before,” Danzeisen said of his homer, the first of his career. “I love baseball for that reason. I can’t even put it in words.”
Danzeisen, a catcher in high school and travel ball, is now the UA’s everyday right fielder. He is hitting .288 in 17 games with 16 starts. He has a team-best .448 on-base percentage thanks to 14 walks and a hit by pitch against 12 strikeouts.
“I always knew I had a good chance (to play), but I worked my butt off,” Danzeisen said. “I got a great opportunity so I’ll take it any day.”
Hale expected Danzeisen to play this season, but wasn’t sure where. Catcher, first base and DH were all options but he said prior coaches felt outfield was where he’d end up in college.
Pitching Issues for the Wildcats
Arizona’s weekend starters have performed as expected, even if Owen Kramkowski has had some difficult outings. The bullpen has been the problem, due to injuries and overuse of arms early in the season.
Corey Kling, Patrick Morris and Benton Hickman combined for six.
Arizona is 7-13 overall and 1-2 in the Big 12.