Creighton University’s baseball team is set to open its 2026 home schedule with a three-game series against Gonzaga, beginning Friday, March 6 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. The games are scheduled for Friday at 6:00 pm, Saturday at 2:00 pm, and Sunday at 1:00 pm. All three matchups will be broadcast on ESPN+ with Connor Happer and Rob Simms providing commentary, while radio coverage will be available across different AM stations.
The probable pitching matchups feature Creighton’s Jack Pineau (RHP), Ian Koosman (RHP), and Eli Nissen (LHP) facing off against Gonzaga’s Zach Bowman (LHP), Erik Hoffberg (RHP), and Karsten Sweum (LHP). In previous meetings between the two teams, each has claimed one victory; Creighton won in 2000 while Gonzaga was victorious in 2009.
Creighton enters the series with a record of 3-6. The Bluejays recently secured their first win in five games during the REV Texas Tournament by defeating Tarleton State 5-4 in twelve innings. The game featured contributions from Isaac Waschmann, Nick Bowron, Nick Venteicher, Rocco Gump, and Nate McHugh. Pitcher Jimmy Burke earned the win after throwing three innings and recording five strikeouts.
Gonzaga comes into the matchup holding a record of 3-7. In their most recent series against No. 13 Oklahoma, Gonzaga lost the first two games but won the final contest with a score of 7-1. Karsten Sweum pitched six innings with seven strikeouts for the Bulldogs, while freshman Landon Hood closed out the game with three hitless innings and five strikeouts. Mikey Bell contributed offensively with a two-run home run.
Bell leads Gonzaga’s offense alongside Sweum, both tied for most hits on the team this season. Their performances against Oklahoma resulted in Sweum being named Rawlings West Coach Conference Pitcher of the Week and Hood earning Freshman of the Week honors.
Offensively, Creighton has started strong this season. Through nine games, they have posted a .296 batting average with 61 runs scored and 52 RBI. The Bluejays have held early leads in eight out of nine contests.
Ben North has been recognized as one of three BIG EAST shortstops named to the Brooks Wallace Watch List by the College Baseball Foundation. “The top 100 shortstops in the country were announced Wednesday, led by several players putting up tremendous offensive numbers. But because the award is reflective of more than just offense, there are numerous players putting up solid defensive numbers as well.” North is hitting .351 through nine games without an error defensively so far this year.
Historically, Creighton holds a strong record in home openers at 35-10 overall.
