No. 4 Longhorns’ offense explodes in 14-4 win over Texas A&M Corpus Christi
April 7, 2021
Coming off an impressive three-game conference sweep against the Jayhawks, Texas picked up where it left off Tuesday night at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The Longhorns manhandled Texas A&M Corpus Christi 14-4 to pick up their second win over the Islanders this season. The Longhorns were patient at the plate all night and finished the contest with 11 walks and 12 hits.
“Great start to the week,” head coach David Pierce said. “Just a good Tuesday night win.”
Redshirt sophomore infielder Ivan Melendez, who was named Big 12 Conference Co-Newcomer of the Week after going 8-of-13 batting during the weekend series, continued to showcase his hitting abilities. Melendez finished the contest with four hits in five at-bats, including a two-run home run.
“It’s about confidence,” Pierce said. “(Melendez has) got major power. If you mix a really good mind with that then you’ve got a great hitter.”
Although redshirt freshman pitcher Justin Eckhardt got the start for Texas, the Longhorns used Tuesday night to showcase their bullpen. Texas pitchers combined for six strikeouts and gave up four runs on nine hits. Longhorn pitchers also did a great job at minimizing their opponent’s contact.
Texas’ defense was also sound and minimized the impact of the Islanders’ offense.
“Tremendous defense,” Pierce said. “Our guys just keep anticipating and expecting to make plays. It’s fun to watch them have some fun with it.”
Texas A&M Corpus Christi jumped out to a 1-0 first-inning lead on a fielder’s choice, but the Texas offense woke up in the second inning when Melendez blasted a two-run home run to deep right field. Shortly after, a Texas baserunner crossed home to give the Longhorns a 3-1 lead and send a jolt of energy through the Longhorn dugout.
But the Islanders didn’t want Texas to run away with the game. The Islanders scored its second run of the game in the third inning, cutting the Longhorns’ lead to 3-2.
In the fourth and fifth frames, the Texas offense continued to display its hitting prowess when redshirt junior infielder Cam Williams hit a one-run home run, and the Longhorns stretched the lead to a 6-2.
Texas opened up the game in the seventh and eighth innings, bringing home eight runners to seal the 14-4 victory.
Although the Longhorns did a great job at the plate, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Texas left 12 runners on base despite its dominance.
Texas (21–8, 7–2) will now shift its attention to Wednesday night’s contest against Stephen F. Austin. The first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.