The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the tension of a tie ballgame – these are the moments that define college baseball. And on a brisk March 1, 2026, at their home turf, Benedetti Diamond, the University of San Francisco (USF) Dons delivered a classic. In a display of grit, strategic pitching, and clutch hitting, USF secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over the California Baptist University (CBU) Lancers, moving their season record to 6-4. [1]
This wasn't just any win; it was a testament to resilience, especially after dropping the previous two games in the four-game series against a formidable CBU squad. The Dons, under the seasoned leadership of Head Coach Rob DiToma, showed exactly why every pitch, every at-bat, and every defensive play matters in the pursuit of victory. [1, 2]
The air at Benedetti Diamond was thick with anticipation. Having fallen to the Lancers 16-2 and 7-1 earlier in the series, the Dons were hungry for a win to avoid a sweep and build momentum for their season. [1, 5] From the outset, it was clear this would be a different kind of game – a low-scoring, pitching-dominated affair where every run would be hard-earned. The Dons set the tone early, demonstrating their intent to control the scoreboard.
San Francisco wasted no time making their mark on the scoreboard. In the bottom of the first inning, a scoring opportunity arose, and the Dons capitalized. Tino Vasell, showing his speed and awareness, crossed home plate on a throwing error by the CBU pitcher, giving USF an early 1-0 lead. [1] The home crowd erupted, signaling a shift in momentum for the series.
Shortly after, the Dons doubled their advantage. With runners on base, Jayden Garrison skillfully reached home plate thanks to a well-placed RBI single from Brendan Burke, pushing USF's lead to 2-0. [1] Burke, who would prove to be a pivotal figure in the game, demonstrated his ability to deliver in crucial situations. This early cushion was vital in a game that would ultimately come down to a single run.
The Dons weren't done applying pressure. In the bottom of the third inning, with two baserunners in scoring position, Brendan Burke once again stepped up. He grounded out to third base, but not before recording another RBI, extending San Francisco's lead to a seemingly comfortable 3-0. [1] This two-RBI performance by Burke matched his season-high, highlighting his importance in the Dons' offensive strategy. [1]
Despite trailing, the California Baptist Lancers, who came into the game with an impressive 9-2 record, showed their resilience. The Lancers managed to break through in the later innings, scratching across two runs in the seventh and eighth innings, tightening the score to a precarious 3-2. [1] This late surge set the stage for a tense ninth inning, placing the weight of the game squarely on the Dons' defense and bullpen.
In a 3-2 contest, pitching is paramount, and the University of San Francisco's staff rose to the occasion. The collective effort on the mound was instrumental in holding off California Baptist's potent offense.
| Player (USF) |
Role |
Innings Pitched |
Hits Allowed |
Runs Allowed |
Strikeouts |
Notable |
| Gauge Lockhart |
Starter |
4.0 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
Scoreless outing |
| Kai Yovanovich |
Reliever |
2.0 |
1 |
? |
1 |
Earned the Win |
| Nick Bacura |
Closer |
1.2 |
? |
? |
? |
Recorded the Save |
Sophomore Gauge Lockhart earned his third start of the season and delivered a masterful performance, silencing the Lancers' bats through four scoreless innings, allowing just a single hit while striking out three. His ability to command the zone and keep CBU off balance was crucial in establishing USF's early lead.
Following Lockhart, Kai Yovanovich entered the game and proved equally effective, allowing only one hit in his two innings of work and earning his second win of the season. The combined effort of the starting and relief pitching kept the Lancers from building any significant momentum until the late innings.
As the game moved into its final stages, Nick Bacura stepped onto the mound, tasked with closing out the narrow lead. Bacura, who leads the team in saves, pitched 1.2 impressive frames, effectively shutting down CBU's late-game aspirations and securing his team-best third save of the season. [1] This clutch performance underscored the strength of the Dons' bullpen and their ability to perform under pressure.
Defensively, the Dons were sharp, making the necessary plays to support their pitchers and thwart CBU's scoring attempts. In a game decided by a single run, every catch, every throw, and every infield out was critical to preserving the victory.
While the pitching dominated the headlines, the Dons' offense provided the necessary sparks to secure the win. Beyond Brendan Burke's two RBIs, other players made significant contributions.
TJ Rogers had a strong outing at the plate, going two-for-four, marking his third multi-hit game of the season. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities was invaluable in a tight contest. The offensive contributions, though limited in quantity, were exceptionally timely, proving that quality over quantity can often be the difference-maker.
Series Context and Program Outlook
This 3-2 victory was more than just a single game; it was a statement. The series against California Baptist, an NCAA Division I program from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), showcased the competitive spirit of both teams. [7, 8] California Baptist entered the series with a strong record, and USF's ability to bounce back after two tough losses speaks volumes about their character and potential. [1, 5]
| Team |
Conference |
Head Coach |
2026 Record (after this game) |
| University of San Francisco |
West Coast Conference |
Rob DiToma (4th Season) |
6-4 |
| California Baptist |
Western Athletic Conference |
Gary Adcock (23rd Season) |
9-3 |
USF's Head Coach, Rob DiToma, now in his fourth season, has been steadily building the Dons program. Wins like this, especially against quality non-conference opponents, are crucial for team morale, confidence, and RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) calculations, which influence postseason considerations. The Dons compete in the West Coast Conference (WCC), a league known for its competitive baseball programs. [2, 3] A strong non-conference performance is key to setting the stage for success in conference play, which for the WCC, begins later in March. [11]
California Baptist, led by Head Coach Gary Adcock in his 23rd season, has a history of strong baseball performance, including tying for the WAC regular season title in previous years. Their 9-3 record after this loss indicates they are also having a strong start to their 2026 season. [1]
The University of San Francisco baseball team now carries the momentum of this hard-fought victory into the remainder of their non-conference schedule and beyond. This win demonstrates the team's ability to win close games, a critical skill that will serve them well as they navigate the rigorous WCC schedule.
For fans, a 3-2 victory is often the most exhilarating kind of baseball game. It highlights tactical decisions, individual brilliance under pressure, and the collective will to win. The excitement generated by such a performance will undoubtedly draw more attention to the Dons as they continue their 2026 campaign. These close contests are often a breeding ground for future stars, as players learn to perform in high-stakes situations.
Looking ahead, the Dons will aim to carry this defensive intensity and timely hitting forward. While every game presents a new challenge, the confidence gained from overcoming a tough opponent in a tight contest is immeasurable. This March 1st victory over California Baptist is more than just a notch in the win column; it's a statement of purpose for the USF baseball program, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level and make a deep run in the 2026 season.
In the grand tapestry of a college baseball season, some games shine brighter than others. The University of San Francisco's 3-2 triumph over California Baptist on March 1, 2026, is undoubtedly one such game. It was a victory forged in the fires of competition, showcasing the Dons' unwavering resolve, the brilliance of their pitching staff led by Gauge Lockhart, Kai Yovanovich, and Nick Bacura, and the clutch hitting exemplified by Brendan Burke and TJ Rogers. [1]
This win not only improved USF's overall record but also served as a powerful reminder of the team's potential to overcome adversity and excel against strong competition. As the Dons look ahead to the rest of their 2026 season, this hard-fought battle will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone, inspiring confidence and fueling their drive for continued success on the diamond. The spirit of the Dons, defined by dedication and resilience, was on full display, promising an exciting season for San Francisco baseball enthusiasts. [12]
- usfdons.com
- wikipedia.org
- ncsasports.org
- amazonaws.com
- usfdons.com
- usfdons.com
- wikipedia.org
- ncsasports.org
Featured image by Igor Batista on Unsplash
