UConn beats Xavier in Big East Tournament opener, 11-1

UConn baseball got on the board early and often as the Huskies won their first game of the Big East Tournament, defeating Xavier, 11-1 at Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio. UConn scored at least a run in each of the first six innings as the Huskies racked up 12 hits on the night.

Four different players (RF Kyler Fedko, C Pat Winkel, 3B Chris Brown, and SS Zach Bushling) knocked in two RBI each while DH David Langer led the way offensively for the Huskies with four hits, including a home run. First baseman Reggie Crawford and LF Erik Stock also had multi-hit days and one RBI each.

“Every guy can get a hit, we all bring something unique to the table,” Langer said after the game. “There’s no easy outs in our lineup.”

Austin Peterson delivered a great performance on the mound, earning the win with 6.0 innings pitched, seven hits allowed, six strikeouts, and one earned run. Garret Coe took over in relief and tossed three scoreless innings, striking out five, to earn the save and secure the victory.

UConn will now face Creighton in the winner’s bracket of this double-elimination tournament. Xavier and Seton Hall are playing an elimination game Friday afternoon. UConn and Creighton will face off that evening in what will be the season’s first meeting between the league’s top two teams.