Tritons Surge to Victory: UMSL Baseball Finds Offensive Groove
The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) baseball team secured its first win of the 2026 season with a decisive 12-1 victory over Central Oklahoma on Saturday at the Edmond First Pitch Classic. The Tritons’ performance marks a significant turnaround after a tough season opener against Pittsburg State.
Explosive Offense Fuels UMSL Triumph
UMSL’s offense ignited in the second inning, erupting for eight runs on eight hits. Key contributors included Mitch Bonczkowski, Cade Grevengoed, Garrett Strenger, and Ayden Cline, each recording a single. Cline’s hit drove in the first two runs of the game. The Tritons continued to build momentum, with Ethan Landis and Justin Terhaar adding to the scoring.
The offensive onslaught didn’t stop there. Owen Faith launched a two-run home run in the fourth, extending the lead to 11-0. Terhaar added an RBI single in the fifth, solidifying the Tritons’ dominance. UMSL finished the game with a total of 14 hits.
Pitching Prowess Seals the Deal
Eli Cartwright delivered a stellar performance on the mound, earning the win with 5.2 shutout innings. He allowed seven hits while striking out eight and walking three. Bryce Stenzel closed out the game, pitching 1.1 innings and conceding a single run.
UMSL’s Road Ahead
The Tritons will continue their road trip, heading to Shawnee, Oklahoma, to face Oklahoma Baptist on Sunday afternoon. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. At Bobby Cox Field at Ford Park.
Key Players Shine in Edmond
Several Tritons stood out during Saturday’s game. Justin Terhaar, Mitch Bonczkowski, Owen Faith, and Garrett Strenger each recorded two hits. Bonczkowski and Faith were particularly impactful, driving in three runs apiece.
The Edmond First Pitch Classic: A Look at the Competition
The Edmond First Pitch Classic, hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma, has seen a variety of matchups this year. Pittsburg State University began the classic with a 25-1 win over UMSL on Thursday. Central Oklahoma similarly competed, falling to East Central 7-4 on Thursday night.
Did you know?
UMSL’s 12-1 victory over Central Oklahoma was their first win of the 2026 season, improving their record to 1-2.
FAQ
Q: Where was the game played?
A: Wendell Simmons Field on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Q: Who earned the win for UMSL?
A: Eli Cartwright.
Q: What is UMSL’s record after the win?
A: 1-2.
Q: What is Central Oklahoma’s record after the loss?
A: 2-2.
Q: When will UMSL play their next game?
A: Sunday afternoon against Oklahoma Baptist at 2 p.m.
Stay updated with UMSL Tritons baseball by visiting the official UMSL Athletics website for schedules, scores, and more.
