Event
The University of Cincinnati Bearcats baseball team defeated Louisiana 12-2 in the opening game of the NCAA Starkville Regional on May 29. Junior catcher Jack Natili hit three home runs for the third time in the 2026 season, contributing to six total home runs for the Bearcats. The victory advances the No. 2 seed Bearcats to face the top-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday night.
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The University of Cincinnati baseball team secured its second consecutive regional opener victory, setting up a Saturday night clash against top-seeded Mississippi State in the NCAA Tournament.
Background
The University of Cincinnati Bearcats baseball team secured a decisive 12-2 victory over Louisiana in the opening game of the NCAA Starkville Regional on May 29, 2026. The win advances the No. 2 seeded Bearcats to face the top-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs. Junior catcher Jack Natili delivered a standout performance, hitting three home runs for the third time in the 2026 season, while the team collectively launched six home runs. This marks the second consecutive year UC has won its regional opener and represents the program's eighth NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bearcats last played in Starkville in February 2015, where they were swept by Mississippi State.
The University of Cincinnati Bearcats baseball team secured a decisive 12-2 victory over Louisiana in the opening game of the NCAA Starkville Regional on May 29, 2026. The win advances the No. 2 seeded Bearcats to face the top-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs. Junior catcher Jac
Fact cards
Key entities: University of Cincinnati Bearcats, Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, Jack Natili, Mississippi State Bulldogs, NCAA, University of Cincinnati, Louisiana, Mississippi State.
Who led the UC Bearcats in home runs against Louisiana? Junior catcher Jack Natili hit three home runs, contributing to a team total of six. What is the significance of this win for UC's tournament history? It is the second consecutive year UC has won its regional opener and the
February 2015: UC Bearcats were swept by Mississippi State during a visit to Starkville, Mississippi. May 29, 2026: UC defeats Louisiana 12-2 in the opening game of the NCAA Starkville Regional; Jack Natili hits three home runs. May 29, 2026: Mississippi State defeats Lipscomb 10
Timeline
UC Bearcats were swept by Mississippi State during a visit to Starkville, Mississippi.
UC defeats Louisiana 12-2 in the opening game of the NCAA Starkville Regional; Jack Natili hits three home runs.
Mississippi State defeats Lipscomb 10-1 in a separate regional game.
UC scheduled to face Mississippi State at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN+.
FAQ
Junior catcher Jack Natili hit three home runs, contributing to a team total of six.
It is the second consecutive year UC has won its regional opener and the eighth time the program has appeared in the NCAA Tournament.
UC faces Mississippi State on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, broadcast on ESPN+.
As a double-elimination tournament, a win on Saturday moves UC to a Sunday 8 p.m. game, while a loss places them in a Sunday 3 p.m. game.
No; UC last played in Starkville in February 2015, over 11 years prior to this event.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (12-2).
The top-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Saturday night at 9 p.m. Eastern time on ESPN+.
Six total home runs.
Junior catcher Jack Natili.
Eight times.
2015.