Creighton edged a 7-4 victory over UConn on Friday night in an elimination showdown of the 2026 BIG EAST Baseball Championship, securing a spot in the tournament’s second semifinal.
Early Sparks Set the Tone
The Bluejays struck first in the second inning when Rocco Gump lined a triple to right‑center, driving in Chris Baillargeon and Cooper Fuchino to open a 2‑0 lead.
Nate McHugh followed with an RBI double that stretched the advantage to 3‑0, showcasing the team’s early offensive firepower.
Mid‑Game Adjustments
Creighton doubled its margin in the sixth inning, plating three more runs. A throwing error allowed Gump to reach, enabling Baillargeon’s advance and Fuchino’s score, before McHugh delivered a two‑RBI single to push the lead to 6‑2.
UConn refused to go quietly. In the bottom of the sixth, Rob Rispoli’s sacrifice fly trimmed the deficit, and Marshall’s double set up a two‑run homer that cut the score to 6‑4.
A Ninth‑Inning Insurance
The Bluejays added a final run in the ninth when Gump executed a bunt single that advanced pinch runner Joe Washburn, sealing a 7‑4 outcome.
Starter Wilson Magers earned the win after five innings of three‑run ball, while reliever Shea Wendt posted a clean ninth for his first save of the season.
Conversely, UConn’s Cayden Suchy took the loss, surrendering three runs on six hits in three innings.
What’s Next
Creighton will now meet the loser of Friday’s clash between St. John’s and Xavier on Saturday, a matchup that could reshape the championship bracket.