The University of Cincinnati baseball team is gearing up for its NCAA Tournament debut against Wake Forest, scheduled for Friday at 1:00 p.m. ET in Knoxville. This year’s appearance marks the Bearcats’ 15th overall in the NCAA Tournament, reflecting a solid program history. Head Coach has led the team to this point in his second season, previously taking Central Michigan to NCAA Regionals multiple times.
Cincinnati, with a record of 32-24 this season, has showcased its strength by winning six series in the Big 12, which included victories over notable teams like Kansas and Arizona State. This success has been complemented by a remarkable showing against ranked opposition, earning six wins against Top 25 teams—a new school record.
The matchup with Wake Forest will be the ninth meeting between the two teams, and while the Demon Deacons currently hold a 6-2 advantage in the series, Cincinnati last triumphed in 2014 with a decisive 5-0 victory. Wake Forest itself is making its fourth consecutive NCAA appearance and boasts a strong record of 36-20 this season, underlining its competitive edge with their potent offense that has hit 100 home runs this year.
While both teams are eager to make a statement, the Bearcats’ progress and achievements this season—highlighted by six all-conference selections including Big 12 Player of the Year—paint an optimistic picture for their performance in the tournament. Moreover, fans hoping to attend the games are advised to act quickly due to limited ticket availability.
With the competition format set as a double-elimination regional, both teams look forward to claiming victories that will launch them toward the next stages of the tournament. This promising opportunity could signal a bright future for Cincinnati baseball and its dedicated players.