Texas baseball extended their winning streak to 4 games with a 3-2 win over 25th ranked Sam Houston State on Tuesday night at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The Longhorns bullpen combined for 6 innings of relief, allowing only 1 run.
Freshman Nico O’Donnell received the start for Texas and lasted 3 innings, allowing 1 unearned run, but walking 4. Matteo Bocchi (1-0) was credited with the win after throwing 1.1 innings of scoreless relief, striking out 4.
The Bearkats got the scoring started in the top of the 3rd when Clayton Harp worked a bases loaded walk, giving the Bearkats a 1-0 lead.
In the 4th, Texas responded against Sam Houston State starter Nick Mikolajchak. Austin Todd led off the frame by doubling to left center. Ryan Reynolds immediately followed with a double of his own, lining a ball down the LF line to score Todd and tie the game at 1. After DJ Petrinsky reached on an infield single to put runners at the corners and 0 outs, the Longhorns recorded 2 straight outs on a strikeout and failed safety squeeze. Masen Hibbeler would extend the inning though by lining a RBI single to CF, scoring Petrinsky and giving Texas a 2-1 lead.
The Longhorns would pad their lead in the 5th with the help of a miscue by the Bearkat defense. Kody Clemens led off with a single into RF and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch with 1 out. Following an Austin Todd walk, Ryan Reynolds hit a ground ball to SS Andrew Fregia. Fregia stepped on 2nd for the force out, but his throw to first was mishandled by the first basemen, allowing Clemens to score and give Texas a 3-1 edge.
Sam Houston State would close the gap to 3-2 in the 8th on a RBI single by Trey Ochoa, but the Bearkats would not get any closer. Nolan Kingham came on in relief in the 9th inning and recorded a pair of groundouts and a strikeout, notching his second save of the season.
Texas will return to Big 12 play this weekend when they welcome Oklahoma State to Austin for a 3 game set. First pitch Friday is set for 7 PM. Follow along at HornSports.com for live updates.
