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EUGENE, Ore. — The heroes of Arizona’s 3-2 victory over Cal Poly in the opening game of the NCAA Tournament’s Eugene Regional were sophomores — starter Owen Kramkowski and left fielder Easton Breyfogle.

The player who hit the tying home run in the ninth inning against TCU in the final of the Big 12 Baseball Championship also was a sophomore — utility man Andrew Cain.

This isn’t do-or-die for any of them. But they’re playing like it is because they know the end is near for many of their teammates.

Most of Arizona’s starting nine consists of seniors and draft-eligible juniors. The scheduled starter for Saturday’s game vs. Oregon or Utah Valley, Raul Garayzar, is a senior. Most of the relievers are upperclassmen.

“Especially with the end of the year now, every game it feels like I’m playing another game to play more time with these guys,� said Kramkowski, who allowed one run in seven innings to improve to 9-5.

“Let’s win for each other. That’s how it feels like we’re playing right now,� added Kramkowski, a graduate of Walden Grove High School. “I feel like we’re playing so good because we’re not playing for ourselves; we’re just playing for each other, playing for the next guy.�

Breyfogle had one of only two UA hits, a two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning. He also made a running, leaping catch on the warning track in the top of the seventh to rob Alejandro Garza of an extra-base hit.

“Obviously you want to win for the older guys like Garen (Caulfield) who’ve been here and been through it all,� Breyfogle said. “It’s important to go out there on the field every single day and give it our all.�

Cain (Ironwood Ridge High) also contributed Friday, walking twice and scoring one of Arizona’s three runs on senior Tommy Splaine’s triple, which preceded Breyfogle’s homer.

Taking ‘em for the team

Aaron Walton got hit by a pitch in the first inning. It was the 21st time he’s been struck this season, second most in a season in UA history.

Walton surpassed Jett Bandy, who was hit 20 times in two seasons, 2010 and ‘11. Colt Sedbrook holds the school record with 26 in 2006.

Walton was hit by pitches only 13 times in his first two seasons at Samford. Asked earlier in the season why he’s been getting hit so much as a Wildcat, Walton said:

“I don’t know, to be honest, I haven’t changed (my) stance or anything like that. I was actually asking the pitchers because I was getting hit in the preseason, too. I was like, ‘What’s going on?’�

Walton wears as much protection as he can, including elbow and shin guards. It still doesn’t feel good to get hit, but he doesn’t mind because it helps the team.

“Get on, pass it on,� Walton said. “Got a lot of great hitters in front (and) behind me, so just do anything to get on base and let them swing.�

Awkward introduction

The public-address announcer introduced all members of each team, regardless of whether they’re on the 27-man NCAA Tournament roster. That made for some awkward moments.

Among the players introduced for Arizona was left-hander Jack Berg, who’s no longer with the team. Berg announced that he intends to enter the transfer portal and has begun summer ball. Berg, a transfer from Tacoma Community College, appeared in five games this season — none since April 8.

A player who hasn’t appeared in a game did make the roster for the regional. That would be freshman Nate Novitske, who’s Arizona’s emergency catcher. Novitske came to the UA as infielder/utility player.

Lee’s big-leaguers

Larry Lee is in his 23rd season as the head coach at Cal Poly. Lee’s 711 wins entering Friday were the most for any coach in Big West Conference history.

From 2020-22, Lee coached his son, Brooks, whom the Minnesota Twins selected in the first round of the ‘22 MLB Draft.

Brooks Lee hit .351 with 25 home runs during his three seasons at Cal Poly. He made his MLB debut in 2024 and has hit .225 with seven home runs in 311 career at-bats with the Twins.

Larry Lee has coached 15 players who made it to the major leagues. Others include current Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo and former Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger.

Mustangs’ Wizard

The most famous big-leaguer to play at Cal Poly was Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith.

Considered perhaps the best fielding shortstop of all time, “The Wizard� played for the Mustangs from 1974-77. He’s their career leader in stolen bases (110), as well as their single-season leader (44).

Smith was a 15-time MLB All-Star with the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals, and at one point won 13 consecutive Gold Gloves.