The UW-River Falls baseball team is set to begin its 2026 season this week with its spring break trip to Florida, scheduled for five varsity games from March 13-18 at the RussMatt Invitational.
RUSSMATT INVITE SCHEDULE
(All times Eastern)
Friday, March 13
9:15 a.m. – vs. Loras College
Saturday, March 14
7:30 p.m. – vs. Clarkson
Monday, March 16
11 a.m. – vs. Salem State
Tuesday, March 17
9:30 a.m. – vs. Macalester
Wednesday, March 18
9 a.m. – vs. Simpson
FALCON NOTES
- The Falcons are led by second year head coach Steve Bartlein, who became the 11th head coach in UWRF baseball history in August of 2024.
- UWRF made its return as a varsity program in 2025 after a 23-year absence and turned in a 13-27 overall record, including a 14-3 win over Nebraska Wesleyan University during its season opener, marking the Falcons' first win 2002.
- In addition, the Falcons won three out of four games against UW-Stevens Point during its home and WIAC opening series against UW-Stevens Point.
- The Falcons return All-WIAC Honorable Mention Max Krebs to this year's roster, who led the team last year with 39 games played, eight homers, 12 doubles, and 48 hits along with a .606 slugging percentage.
- UWRF also returns 84% of its runs batted in from last year, led by 36 from Krebs.Â
- UWRF's top production among its pitching staff is also returning to this year's squad, led by Cade Bruett - who pitched 37.1 innings in nine games. Shaun Gavin also returns as last years strikeout leader, tallying 22 in 36.1 innings.
- UWRF is scheduled to host Bethel University on Wednesday, March 25 for its home opener at First National Bank of River Falls Field, and the WIAC opener March 28-29 at UW-La Crosse.
