Utah Valley University’s baseball team is set to host Northern Colorado for a five-game series at UCCU Ballpark, starting Friday, March 6. The series will include a doubleheader on Saturday and single games on Sunday and Monday. Broadcast coverage will be available on ESPN+, with Jordan Bianucci and Brice Larson calling most of the games, while Zach Barrows joins for Saturday’s doubleheader.
The Wolverines recently began their home schedule by winning three out of four games against UC Riverside. Kaden Carpenter stood out offensively, going 8-for-17 with two home runs and 11 RBIs over the weekend. Mason Strong also contributed significantly, hitting .500 in the series. As a team, Utah Valley posted a .323 batting average and outscored UC Riverside 40-17.
On the pitching side, Garrett Miller and Ray Hernandez each made spot starts and earned wins. Miller pitched six innings with four strikeouts, while Hernandez struck out five over four innings.
Northern Colorado enters the series with a 1-13 record after earning their first win of the season at UNLV earlier this week. Zeke Minic leads UNC hitters with a .370 average, followed by Jaden Stone at .333. The Bears have struggled on the mound this season, holding an 11.34 ERA as a team; Jake Storey is expected to start Friday’s game.
The history between Utah Valley and Northern Colorado is extensive, with 67 meetings since UVU joined Division I. Last season, Utah Valley swept Northern Colorado in Greeley during a five-game series and has won seven consecutive matchups overall. This marks UNC’s first visit to Orem since 2018; that year Nate Rasmussen—now UVU’s head coach—was coaching for Northern Colorado as recruiting coordinator.
Carpenter was named WAC Hitter of the Week following his performance against UC Riverside: “His ability to get on base was key, as he posted a .550 on-base percentage with five extra-base hits during the weekend.” He recorded multiple multi-RBI games throughout the series.
Former Wolverine Jeff Barto has been selected for Czechia’s roster in the upcoming World Baseball Classic beginning March 5. This will be his second appearance in the tournament after previously pitching against Korea in relief during the last event.
In addition, newcomer Beck has been named to the Brooks Wallace Award watchlist after transferring from BYU and leading UVU with a .423 batting average so far this season. Beck is one of only two WAC players recognized among this year’s Top 100 shortstops nationally.
Looking ahead, Utah Valley will play Colorado Mesa next Wednesday before finishing its opening homestand with two games against Cincinnati starting March 16.
