IRVING, Texas – UCF junior right-handed pitcher Matt Sauser has been named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week as announced by the conference office on Monday.
Sauser earned Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honors for the second time of his career on Monday after tossing 6.0 dominant innings at No. 20 Miami last Tuesday. The right-hander was nearly perfect in the outing, as he did not allow a hit over six innings of action. The Bloomington, Illinois native issued just one walk and struck out six over the six hitless and scoreless frames.
In all, Sauser retired the Hurricanes in order in five of his six innings of work. He also allowed just one baserunner to reach on the basepaths.
Nearly perfect stuff from @SauserMatt 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hEoS9f8jh4
— UCF Baseball (@UCF_Baseball) February 18, 2026
Miami ended up rallying late to tie the game and went on to win the epic 13-inning in-state battle by a run. Sauser would end up earning a no-decision on the night.
Other Big 12 weekly honorees this week include Oklahoma State’s Aidan Meola for Player of the Week and Texas Tech’s Linkin Garcia for Newcomer of the Week.
The Knights were scheduled to close a five-game road trip at Jacksonville University on Tuesday, but the contest has been postponed due to a facility issue with the stadium lighting system at JU’s John Sessions Stadium. The game will look to be made up at another date down the road. The two teams are also scheduled to face one another at John Euliano Park on April 14.
Sauser and the Black and Gold will next open a 12-game homestand on Friday when they welcome South Florida to John Euliano Park to open a three-game series. Friday is scheduled for 6 p.m. while Saturday and Sunday’s ballgames are set for 1 p.m. All three games will air live on ESPN+.
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About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.ecu and www.ucfknights.com.