Senior shortstop Taylor Thom had a career night Wednesday, launching two home runs, including a grand slam, and plating seven RBIs in a 19-7 win against Texas State.

After a stellar junior season, this year hasn’t been as kind to Thom, who had just three home runs and 21 RBIs on the season entering Wednesday night’s game.

“It felt like my old self,” Thom said. “I have been struggling this year, so for me to put together a game like that going into Big 12 — that’s a great feeling.”

With a weekend off from Big 12 play, the threat of a slow start seemed like a real possibility for the Longhorns, especially with an offense that at times has struggled to take advantage of run-scoring opportunities.

But Texas got things going early in the game against Texas State. After the first two runners reached base, Thom belted a three-run home run to left. In the second inning, the Longhorns capitalized on three Texas State errors — the biggest being a bobble by Texas State left fielder Lexi Fryar that allowed three runs to score — scoring six runs in the inning.

In the third, freshman third baseman Devon Tunning hit her first career home run and sophomore right fielder Lindsey Stephens hit a deep shot to dead center.

Thom then added to the home run barrage again with a two-out grand slam to deep right-center field to put the Longhorns up 18-7.

Despite Texas’ strong offensive output, Texas State battled back, taking advantage of Longhorn mistakes to stay in the game. After only managing two hits through the first two innings, the Bobcats scored five in the top of the third, forcing out freshman pitcher Tiarra Davis — who had only allowed three runs in her last four starts — after only 2.1 innings.

Texas will resume conference play Friday at home against Texas Tech.