After winning the last few games through their tremendous play at the plate, Texas used a different formula to secure the win against Houston on Friday night. 

The Longhorns played one of their best defensive games of the season against the Cougars and were able to ride redshirt sophomore pitcher Ty Madden’s complete game on the mound to slip away with the victory 1-0 and advance to a 6–4 record. 

It was a nip and tuck game in Houston, as neither team was able to gain any momentum at the plate due to extraordinary play from their defenses.

Throughout the first seven innings, both teams struggled to get on the scoreboard with a run. It wasn’t until the top of the eighth inning when Texas was finally able to show up on offense. Redshirt freshman infielder Trey Faltine drew a walk with the bases loaded to bring redshirt senior outfielder Mike Antico home.

Madden was the story of this game, as he completely dominated Houston’s batters with commanding control on the mound. He faced 31 batters in 110 pitches, allowed just two hits and obtained a new career-high in strikeouts with 14.

Head coach David Pierce credited Madden with getting the Longhorns the leg-up in the three-game series.

“He was unbelievable,” Pierce said. “That’s why you have a Friday night starter like that.”

Madden’s pitching allowed the Longhorns to maintain control and lead them to victory, despite the Texas offense appearing out of sorts throughout the game. Even though the offense only managed one run, Madden said it was more than enough.   

“I just told (the offense) give me one, and let’s go win this ball game,” Madden said. 

However, Houston’s junior pitcher Robert Gasser gave Madden a run for his money as he kept the Cougars close and gave Texas’ offense problems. Gasser faced 27 batters in 104 pitches and allowed zero runs on four hits.

His gutsy performance wasn’t enough though, as Ty Madden left Houston’s offense in shambles, shutting it out in the series opener. 

The Longhorns continue to gain momentum as they extend their win streak to three. Showing their unpredictable nature, the team has won two of the three games through an explosive batting performance with Friday’s win credited to stellar defense.

They look to continue to add to their win streak Saturday afternoon as they play the second game of their series against the Cougars.