TEXAS 6, UVA 2: Longhorns stayin' alive in Omaha

[HornSports Staff]

Photo: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports​

After an almost four hour weather delay in Omaha on Thursday, #2 Texas and Virginia began play in a win-or-go-home game for both teams.  The Longhorns struck first, on Douglas Hodo's RBI single in the second inning which drove in Ivan Melendez who had doubled in his at-bat.  

Texas put up another run in the fifth to take the lead 2-0 on Eric Kennedy's score on a wild pitch, but the Cavaliers were able to tie the score in the bottom of the frame with a two-run homer that cleared the right field fence.  Starter Pete Hansen was pulled and replaced with Cole Quintanilla, who was able to get the Longhorns out of the inning without further damage.

Melendez delivered again in the eighth with an RBI single which put Texas back in front 3-2.  

Freshman Aaron Nixon pitched the bottom of the eighth and was able to force a double play to end the inning and preserve the Longhorns' 3-2 lead.

Texas loaded the bases in the top of the ninth inning, and the bases were soon cleared thanks to Zack Zubia's three-run double to left-center field.  At that point Texas led Virginia 6-2.

Nixon trotted out to the mound and pitched a scoreless bottom half of the ninth to end the game and seal a Texas victory.

Pete Hansen pitched a solid 5 2/3 innings for the Longhorns, giving up two runs and striking out six.

The Longhorns will face Mississippi State on Friday at 6 p.m. and will face the Bulldogs again on Saturday should they win.


GAME STATS

 

[tejasrulz]

A lot of strikeouts (12) by our hitters. By chance anyone know how many were backwards Ks?

 

[Guest]

Melendez and Zubia can be extremely frustrating to watch, but last night's game was why they are both important pieces in this offense.  They strikeout a lot but when they make contact, they make good contact.  Need these two to finish the postseason strong.

 

[tejasrulz]

Watching the replay, that UVA SS is impressive. Kid can flat out play.

 

[TB14]

Melendez and Zubia can be extremely frustrating to watch, but last night's game was why they are both important pieces in this offense.  They strikeout a lot but when they make contact, they make good contact.  Need these two to finish the postseason strong.

Melendez was close to 370 average before the last month of the season. He has really struggled but his ABs this CWS have all been really promising.