Arizona failed to build on the momentum of its first win, falling to UConn 11-2 in the finale of their four-game series Sunday afternoon at Hi Corbett Field.
The Wildcats dropped three of four against the Huskies and are off to the worst eight-game start in program history at 1-7. The only comparable start happened in 1994, when Arizona began the season 1-6 and finished 15-40 — the worst record in program annals.
"We’ve just got to play better," UA coach Chip Hale said. "Our mantra is to go 1-0 each day. Last night we were able to do it. Today, no.”
Arizona was hopeful that Collin McKinney could replicate his first start. Instead, McKinney reverted to his 2025 form.
The right-hander walked two batters and hit another in two innings. He allowed three runs on three hits, including the first home run against him as a Wildcat. McKinney threw only 22 of 45 pitches for strikes.
Arizona then turned to freshman righty Jack Lafflam, who also struggled to find the plate. Lafflam walked three batters in 1⅓ innings. He also allowed three hits and three runs while throwing only 17 of 34 pitches for strikes.
Arizona right-hander Jack Lafflam throws a warmup pitch before entering in relief vs. UConn on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Hi Corbett Field.
By Hale’s calculation, Arizona surrendered 29 “free 90s” to UConn on Sunday — walks, hit batsmen, stolen bases, advancements, etc.
“That’s just not gonna cut it," Hale said. "We had some decent at-bats along the way, some stuff going on. But it’s tough to stand out there on defense that long. Too many walks, too many hit batsmen. Just didn’t play very crisp baseball.”
Those six runs proved to be more than enough against a UA offense that continues to scuffle.
Arizona had a season-high 12 hits but was just 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position and 1 for 7 with a runner on third base and less than two outs. The Wildcats scored two or fewer runs for the third time on the homestand and the fourth time this season.
Inside pitch
– UA junior center fielder Easton Breyfogle has a dislocated left (non-throwing) shoulder and will be out “for a while,” Hale said. Breyfogle missed the first three games because of the shoulder issue, came back for the home opener, then got reinjured in a collision with right fielder Caleb Danzeisen in the series opener vs. UConn.
Arizona's Tony Lira, middle, taps helmets with teammate Andrew Cain, left, after hitting his first collegiate home run vs. UConn on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Hi Corbett Field.
– Right-hander JT Drake, who has yet to pitch this season, is on a throwing program and could be back by March, Hale said. RHP Nolan Straniero experienced elbow pain after pitching in the season opener and is out “for the foreseeable future,” Hale said.
– First baseman Tony Lira went 2 for 4 with a solo home run in the fourth inning, his first career homer. Lira, a redshirt freshman, has a team-best .382 batting average.
– Arizona pitchers hit five UConn batters, the most hit batsmen by a UA staff in a game since March 11, 2025, at Loyola Marymount (also five). Huskies shortstop Rob Rispoli was hit twice in the helmet but remained in the game.
– Former UA gymnast Elena Deets threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Deets, who was just inducted into the program’s Ring of Honor, performed a forward flip before flinging the ball to the plate.
