A Night of Power Hitting in Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball squad pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of the early season, downing No. 4‑ranked Auburn 13‑8 in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The victory marked the Panthers’ second tournament win ever and ended a 16‑year drought since their last appearance in 2010.
From the first inning, the lineup turned into a fireworks display. Bradyn Horn and Charlie Marion each launched three‑run homers that stretched the lead to 10‑0, while Jake Marciano and Eric Guevara added timely hits that kept the pressure on Auburn’s pitching staff.
On the mound, Gavin Theis and Riley Peterson combined to hold the Tigers at bay, limiting damage after Auburn’s Ethan Bingaman trimmed the margin with a three‑run shot in the fourth. Peterson’s final flyout sealed the win, sending the crowd into celebration.
Coach Shaun Wegner, who has been emphasizing belief and a consistent system all year, praised the team’s resilience. “We built a culture that trusts each other,” he said, noting that the win was a testament to the players’ execution of the game plan.
With the regional still open, the Panthers must win two more games to reach the super regional, a feat that would put them back on the national stage for the first time since 1999. Their next test arrives Saturday night at 7 p.m., with potential contests on May 31 and June 1 if needed.