By Ella Grady, Staff Writer

The 2025 Xavier baseball season took on a new motto for next spring: relentless. 

After falling to the No. 2-seeded Connecticut Huskies in the Big East Tournament elimination game at Prasco Park, Xavier baseball knew that it had more to prove. That opportunity now lies ahead of them. 

“We knew we had the pieces and foundation to reach our goals. We knew every one of us had to be better and we needed to get back to work throughout the summer,” senior infielder Connor Misch of Dyer, Ind. said. “We know the importance every game carries heading into the selection show in May. Every single game we play carries a ton of weight.”

The Musketeers opened their 2026 campaign strongly, with back-to-back wins in Greenville, S.C. Facing the East Carolina Pirates to start their spring slate, Bowling Green transfer and junior right-hander Owen Poole of Newark, Ohio, won the pitcher’s duel with a bases-loaded strikeout to steal win number one, 4-3 on Feb. 13. 

The Musketeers clinched the series the following day, splitting the doubleheader. A strong offense in game one was led by sophomore outfielder JD Crisp of Cypress, Texas. Crisp went 3/4 with two RBIs, one run and a home run.  

“That was a big series win on the road for us. We know the consequences of playing the top non-conference schedule in the nation. We need to stay together. Playing on the road is tough, but we are built for it. We have got the pieces and will win a lot of games,” Misch said.

The squad struggled to find a rhythm following their first loss to the Pirates, facing setbacks at ranked No. 15 University of Louisville Cardinals on Feb. 17, and in their series with No. 8 University of Arkansas Razorbacks, Feb. 20-22. 

These two programs brought some of the best collegiate baseball talent and Xavier still found some offensive rhythm and shut down on the mound when necessary. This was in part due to strong weekend performances by first-year infielder Josh Stonehouse and junior right-handed pitcher Ryan Piech.  

Xavier’s non-conference schedules in 2024 and 2025 were ranked among the five most difficult in the nation. That win-or-go-home, relentless attitude will be needed with another top-five schedule slated for 2026. 

Misch, named the Preseason Big East Player of the Year, is positive that this accolade will not determine how he goes about his business on and off the field. Nor will that change what he is trying to accomplish alongside his teammates. 

What matters most to him is taking it easy and having fun while playing, emphasizing his strong relationships across Xavier’s campus, especially with his coaching staff. His goal is going back to Prasco Park to win another Big East title for Xavier, which he previously carried out during his freshman campaign.

The team regrouped again after a struggle to secure a win in Fayetteville, Ark. with the chance to get win number three at Hayden Field on Feb. 24, against the Indiana Hoosiers. Another midweek test, but this time, in front of their home crowd.

Unfortunately, Xavier dropped its home opener with a 10-4 defeat after taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning. 

Facing a series on the West Coast, Xavier baseball hoped to handle three games against the California State Fullerton Titans from Feb. 27-March. This was the chance to redeem themselves after a shaky start to the season. 

They did just that, clinching the series on Saturday, Feb. 28, with a 3-2 win after a late rally from the Titans. Cal State Fullerton was able to get the winning run on base but could not capitalize; the save credited to Poole. Xavier finished off the weekend 2-1. 

Now bringing the Musketeers’ record to 4-7, there are still many baseball games left to play. With the first 17 of 18 games on the road, the back-loaded home crowd schedule will provide familiarity heading into the chase for a Big East title. 

“We know we are merely scratching the surface of what the end product will be,” Misch said. “We still have a sour taste in our mouths from last year. Playing on that stage – the Big East Tournament – is what you live for.”

The Musketeers will travel to the West Coast for spring break against opponents the Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers.