Cincinnati’s 2025 Season Concludes with Loss to Wake Forest in Knoxville Regional
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Cincinnati baseball team’s thrilling 2025 season came to a bittersweet end on Sunday, as they fell to the No. 2 seed Wake Forest, 10-3, in the NCAA Baseball Tournament at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. This loss marks a defining moment in what has been an exhilarating year for the Bearcats.
A Season of Milestones
The Bearcats finished the season with a commendable 33-26 record, marking their most victories since 2008 and the fifth-most in program history. Their total of 65 wins over the past two seasons is the highest since 2008-09, showcasing the tremendous growth of this squad under the guidance of head coach Jordan Bischel.
“Wake Forest is a really good program that’s really well coached. They flat-out beat us today," Bischel noted. "Their pitcher threw a great game, and we couldn’t mount much offensively. But if you have to end the season, you want to do it in a setting like this. I’m really proud of our guys.”
Historic Tournament Performance
This NCAA Tournament appearance was Cincinnati’s seventh in history and their first since 2019, along with being the first at-large selection since 1974. Breaking records became a theme for this team as they set both single-season strikeout and stolen base records, with totals now standing at 496 strikeouts and 134 stolen bases.
Struggles Against Wake Forest
Unfortunately, the Bearcats struggled offensively against a potent Wake Forest lineup. The Deacs’ star pitcher, Matt Dallas, dominated the game, striking out four batters over 7.2 innings. UC found it difficult to make a significant impact, recording only a couple of hits until late in the game.
The Game Breakdown
In the top of the third inning, Wake Forest struck first, scoring four runs and quickly extending their lead with additional runs in the fourth and fifth innings. The Bearcats found themselves in a 6-0 hole before finally breaking the silence in the eighth inning.
Key Player Highlights
- Junior Christian Mitchelle shone with a 2-for-4 performance, including a crucial two-run double.
- Sophomore Jack Natili recorded the other Bearcats’ RBI.
- Starting pitcher Carson Marsh struck out five batters but faced challenges as the game progressed.
In the eighth, Cincinnati managed to put three runs on the board, with Natili’s fielder’s choice spurring the first run, followed by Mitchelle’s double that brought the score to 10-3.
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Looking Ahead and Recognizing Achievements
Cincinnati’s 2025 season has been one marked by unprecedented accomplishments and individual greatness. Redshirt senior Kerrington Cross left his mark, not only reaching base twice in his final game but also solidifying his place among the all-time leaders in numerous categories. His remarkable stats include:
- .396 batting average
- 12 home runs
- 50 RBIs
His performance in 2025 ranks among the best in Cincinnati’s history – a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Though the Bearcats fell short in the Knoxville Regional, the future looks bright for Cincinnati baseball. With a season of growth, resilience, and record-breaking achievements, fans and players alike can look forward to what lies ahead.
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Engage with the postseason journey of the Bearcats as they look forward to next season!
