Game updates: UWM baseball goes for another NCAA Tournament win
UW-Milwaukee baseball advances to its first NCAA Tournament regional final
UW-Milwaukee baseball advances to its first NCAA Tournament regional finalBen Steele, Milwaukee Journal SentinelSat, May 30, 2026·2 min read
Milwaukee is making a case for being the center of the baseball universe.
UW-Milwaukee has become the talk of the NCAA Tournament after two shocking wins, including a 13-6 rout of Central Florida on May 30 that pushed the Panthers into their first regional final in Auburn, Alabama.
“A lot of us are Brewers fans,” the Panthers' Grant Ross, a former Pewaukee High School standout, said to ESPN after the game. “I think the Brewers kind of call themselves the Island of the Misfit Toys.
“Bunch of us feel the same way. A lot of bounce-backs from different schools, JUCO transfers, a lot of guys with unique stories. Everyone has grit from that.”
This is a fairy tale, with the Panthers ready for their official Cinderella slipper fitting on May 31.
UCF Knights head coach Rich Wallace and Milwaukee Panthers head coach Shaun Wegner shake hands before the game as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' Connor Bozak (7) throws the ball to first base as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' Dylan O'Connell (2) catches a fly ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' Grant Ross (8) swings at the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' Mateo Gray (29) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' Dylan O'Connell (2) hits the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' Dylan O'Connell (2) celebrates his double as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' John Smith III (30) catches a fly ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' Zak Skinner (24) swings at the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' Aric Ehmke (14) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' Landon Moran (10) swings at the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' Joey Spence (13) swings at the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' Kevin Schoneboom (6) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' Grant Ross (8) celebrates his double as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' Austin Jacobs (9) scoops a ground ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' Austin Jacobs (9) throws the ball to first base as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' John Hadley VI (6) celebrates his double as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers' John Hadley VI (6) dives safely into second base before UCF Knights' Austin Jacobs (9) can get the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)Milwaukee Panthers fans cheer on their team as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' Jordan Lodise (3) catches a fly ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' Max Murray (31) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' Evan Jones (28) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)UCF Knights' DeAmez Ross (27) catches a fly ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)1 / 26
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights head coach Rich Wallace and Milwaukee Panthers head coach Shaun Wegner shake hands before the game as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' Connor Bozak (7) throws the ball to first base as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' Dylan O'Connell (2) catches a fly ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' Grant Ross (8) swings at the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' Mateo Gray (29) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' Dylan O'Connell (2) hits the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' Dylan O'Connell (2) celebrates his double as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' John Smith III (30) catches a fly ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' Zak Skinner (24) swings at the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' Aric Ehmke (14) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' Landon Moran (10) swings at the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' Joey Spence (13) swings at the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' Kevin Schoneboom (6) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' Grant Ross (8) celebrates his double as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' Austin Jacobs (9) scoops a ground ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' Austin Jacobs (9) throws the ball to first base as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' John Hadley VI (6) celebrates his double as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers' John Hadley VI (6) dives safely into second base before UCF Knights' Austin Jacobs (9) can get the ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
Milwaukee Panthers fans cheer on their team as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' Jordan Lodise (3) catches a fly ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' Max Murray (31) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' Evan Jones (28) pitches as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
UW-Milwaukee baseball vs UCF NCAA Tournament regional game highlights
UCF Knights' DeAmez Ross (27) catches a fly ball as Milwaukee Panthers take on UCF Knights during the NCAA Regional Baseball tournament at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. (Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)
Fourth-seeded UWM will play the winner of the elimination game between Auburn and Central Florida. If the Panthers win the game – which is slated for 7 p.m. CT on Sunday, May 31 – they will advance to the Super Regional for the first time. If UWM loses that game, there will be a winner-take-all game on Monday, June 1, in the double-elimination regional.
UWM was 1-8 in the NCAA Tournament before this run, with its last victory coming 27 years ago. Friday, the Panthers shocked top-seeded Auburn in the first game, 13-8. UWM is the first No. 4 seed in a regional to score 13 runs in each of its first two games of the NCAA Tournament.
UWM was Brewers-like with a small-ball attack in the third inning. The Panthers sent nine batters to the plate and scored four runs for a 9-0 lead. Three of the runs came on bases-loaded walks. The other came on a wild pitch.
The Panthers also got a strong start from right-hander Aric Ehmke, who went five innings and gave up just one run.
UWM’s bullpen had a bit of wobble, allowing five runs in the sixth inning, but the Panthers scored three insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth.
“We’re just gritty, man,” Ross said. “We’re grinding it out. We knew we had the talent all along. It’s just clicking.”