On the strength of a complete game performance from starting pitcher Connor Mayes, the Texas Longhorns beat Baylor 4-0 to advance to the Big 12 championship game. Mayes’ effort marked the third consecutive complete game by a UT pitcher (Parker French, Ty Culbreth) – the first time the feat has ever been accomplished in the Big 12 tournament.
A two out homerun by Tres Barrera in the top of the first inning proved to be the only run support Mayes needed. With the two run lead Mayes attacked the Baylor lineup, finishing the game with 10 strikeouts. In the complete game shutout Mayes only allowed two hits and three walks.
Brooks Marlow delivered an RBI single in the top of the eighth inning, providing two insurance runs for the Longhorns, plating CJ Hinojosa and Tres Barrera. In addition to production from Barrera and Marlow, freshman Joe Baker accounted for a pair of hits.
Theron Kay took the loss for the Bears, falling to 3-4 on the year. Adam Toth and Kameron Esthay were the only Baylor batters to reach base multiple times.
With the win, Texas advances to the tournament’s championship game on Sunday at 12:00PM (Central). The Horns will face either Oklahoma or Oklahoma State in the championship and would automatically earn a berth in the NCAA postseason tournament with a win in the game. Texas is 4-0 all-time in championship game appearances.
POST-GAME
Augie Garrido
Connor Mayes
Tres Barrera
