The Arizona Wildcats' hopes of returning to Surprise for the Big 12 Tournament came to a crashing halt on Friday, as they were run-ruled 13-1 in seven innings by Oklahoma State. The loss not only evened the series but officially eliminated the Wildcats from postseason contention, ending their bid to play at Surprise Stadium—the very venue where they kicked off their 2026 campaign back in February.

After a promising series-opening win on Thursday kept their tournament dreams alive, Arizona (19-33, 8-20 Big 12) knew they needed a weekend sweep and some outside help to advance. But those aspirations evaporated almost immediately as Oklahoma State exploded for five runs in the bottom of the first inning, highlighted by a leadoff home run against starter Owen Kramkowski. The draft-eligible right-hander, likely making his final collegiate start, struggled mightily, surrendering eight runs (seven earned) over just 1.1 innings to fall to 1-8 on the season.

The Wildcats' lone bright spot came off the bat of Carson McEntire, who launched his team-leading 10th home run of the year—a solo shot that provided Arizona's only run. But it was far from enough, as the offense managed just two hits total while striking out 13 times against the Cowboys' pitching staff.

Arizona will look to close the season on a high note Saturday at 10 a.m. PT, when they face Oklahoma State in the finale. A victory would give the Wildcats just their second Big 12 series win of the year—a small consolation, but a meaningful one for a team that has fought through a challenging transition to their new conference.