EUGENE, Ore. — Aaron Walton made a significant impact with three home runs and six RBIs on Sunday night as Arizona soared to a 14-0 victorious finale over Cal Poly, securing their spot in the super regionals. Maddox Mihalakis also contributed prominently with two home runs, along with three RBIs. Tommy Splaine further fueled the Wildcats’ offense by adding a two-run homer, ending the game with three RBIs as well, elevating Arizona to a 42-18 record.
Aaron Walton became the second player from Arizona to hit three homers in a single game during the regional rounds, following Mason White’s similar achievement against Utah Valley on Saturday. Arizona’s entry into the super regionals marks the sixth time in their history, and they hold a 4-1 record from previous super regional appearances.
The offensive spectacle began with Walton launching a two-run homer as part of a five-run outburst in the first inning. In the ensuing second inning, Walton hit another two-run blast, coupled with Mihalakis’ solo home run, catapulting the score to 8-0.
Walton continued his amazing performance with a third two-run homer in the sixth inning, pushing the lead to 10-0, and Splaine added to the tally with a two-run homer in the seventh inning. Mihalakis rounded out the scoring with a two-run home run in the eighth inning.
A quartet of Arizona pitchers combined efforts to complete the shutout. Starting pitcher Smith Bailey, holding a 3-3 record for the season, delivered six impressive innings, allowing only four hits. Relief pitchers Hunter Alberini, Julian Tonghini, and Matthew Martinez contributed one inning each, surrendering just two additional hits collectively.
Cal Poly’s starting pitcher, Ethan Marmie, endured a tough outing as he was pulled after just one batter into the second inning, having been charged with six runs. Despite the team’s struggles, Nate Castellon stood out for the Mustangs, accumulating two hits during the game. Cal Poly closed their season with a 43-19 record.