The University of Utah baseball team lost to Baylor 11-10 in the final game of the regular season on May 16 at Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark.
The game was significant as it marked Senior Day for Utah, with the program recognizing its eleven-member class of 2026 and their families before the first pitch. Despite taking an early lead, Utah could not hold off a late rally by Baylor, who scored three runs in the ninth inning to secure the win.
Several seniors contributed offensively for Utah. Matt Flaharty hit a three-run home run and added a double as part of his two-hit day. Derek Smith had a two-run homer and singled, while Nevan Noonan led off the sixth inning with a solo home run and also drove in another run. Cameron Gurney scored in the first but left later due to injury.
Jake Long collected three hits, and Jet Gilliam had two hits from his spot in the lineup. Starting pitcher Seth Graham-Pippin threw five innings for Utah, striking out five batters while allowing five runs on five hits and two walks. He began strong with a perfect first inning that set up Utah’s initial offensive surge.
After building leads of 5-0 after one inning and 7-1 after four innings, Utah saw Baylor close the gap with home runs throughout the middle innings. Tyce Armstrong’s three-run homer for Baylor in the ninth ultimately decided the contest.
With this loss concluding their regular season record at 26-24 overall (12-18 Big 12), Utah now prepares for postseason play at the Big 12 Tournament in Surprise, Arizona. The official tournament bracket and opening round opponent will be announced soon.
