TicketsNov. 10, 2010
CINCINNATI - The BIG EAST/Big Ten Baseball Challenge, a matchup against a 2010 College World Series qualifier and the Joe Nuxhall Classic highlight the 2011 University of Cincinnati baseball schedule. After falling one win short of a 30-win season, the Bearcats aim to surpass that mark this season and compete for the 2011 BIG EAST Conference Championship.
"We're excited about our schedule, especially the challenges early," said head coach Brian Cleary. "We look forward to 29 home games, including the Joe Nuxhall Classic and what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the BIG EAST season with consecutive home series' to end the regular season."
UC begins the season with a trip to Florida for the BIG EAST/Big Ten Challenge in the St.Petersburg/Clearwater area Feb. 18-20 where the Bearcats face Ohio State, before taking on Illinois and Michigan State to complete the trip.
Following the BIG EAST/Big Ten Challenge, the Bearcats make a trip to the Clemson/Greenville, S.C. area for the First Pitch Invitational. Cincinnati will open the event against Clemson, who advacned to last season's College World Series, before taking on Charleston Southern and Furman.
After returning from two season-opening road trips, UC kicks off its 29-game home schedule with a 10-game homestand versus Youngstown State (Mar. 4-6), Cleveland State (March 11-13) and the Western Michigan Broncos(March 18-20), whom Cincinnati will play a double-header on Saturday, March 19. The Bearcats also host non-conference contests against Toledo (March 23), Dayton, (March 30), Xavier (April 27), Miami (OH) (May 10), and Butler (May 17).
Additionally, Cincinnati will host three Greater Cincinnati-area teams - Miami (OH), Wright State, and Xavier - at Marge Schott Stadium for the Joe Nuxhall Classic, a four-team tournament, on April 12-13. UC plays crosstown rival XU to cap off the first round of the Classic, April 12, while MU faces Wright State earlier in the day. The winners of each game will face each other on the following day, April 13, while the losers will play a consulation game.
The Bearcats hit the road for non-conference games at Kentucky (March 22), Morehead State (April 6), Ohio (April 19), Xavier (April 26), Wright State (May 4) and Miami (OH) (May 11).
UC plays four of its nine conference series' at home this season, but its 2011 conference schedule kick off in Jamaica, N.Y. March 25-27 when it takes on St. John's. The Bearcats will also hit the road next season for conference matchups against Georgetown (April 1-3), Rutgers (April 15-17), Pittsburgh (April 30-May 1) and West Virginia (May 7-8).
The Bearcats will take on BIG EAST opponents at home when they host Louisville (April 8-10) and Villanova (April 21-23). Their regular season concludes with a seven-game home stand vs. Seton Hall (May 14-15), Butler and Connecticut (May 19-21) in BIG EAST action at Marge Schott Stadium.
Click here to view the complete schedule.