The stakes could not be clearer for Austin’s Longhorns. Two days after a rough 7-1 loss to Georgia at Charles Schwab Field, Texas now has to beat Alabama in an elimination game Monday or its College World Series run is over. The setback exposed shaky pitching and some uncharacteristic defensive miscues, all of which have to be cleaned up in a hurry.
Volchko’s gem buries Texas early
Georgia starter Joey Volchko did not just beat Texas; he dominated it. The right-hander piled up a career-high 15 strikeouts and spun a complete-game four-hitter in the Bulldogs’ 7-1 win, as highlighted by Georgia Athletics. Most of the damage came in a messy first inning for the Longhorns, with wild pitches, hit batters and errors gifting Georgia an early cushion that Texas never really threatened.
Schlossnagle: 'Left a bad taste'
Texas coach Jim Schlossnagle did not sugarcoat what he saw, telling reporters the performance “left a bad taste in their mouths,” according to KXAN. As KXAN also reported, the Longhorns will hand the ball Monday to Ruger Riojas, one of their most electric arms this season. Texas will be counting on Riojas to steady things on the mound while the offense tries to flip the script on very little rest.
Monday's elimination showdown
There is no safety net now. The loser of Texas vs. Alabama is done, with the winner staying alive in Omaha. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. Monday at Charles Schwab Field, according to NCAA.com. Texas Athletics lays out the Longhorns’ path through the bracket, while NCAA.com details the wider College World Series slate and TV windows. Across the diamond, Alabama’s pitching options include left-hander Zane Adams, who has worked as a weekend starter for the Crimson Tide this season, per Alabama Athletics.
How Texas can turn it around
For all the angst, Texas still brings a deep bullpen and a lineup built to apply pressure over nine innings. In the middle of the order, Aiden Robbins, Carson Tinney and Casey Borba give the Longhorns the kind of thump that can change a game with a single swing. Baseball America has pointed to Texas’ mix of pitching depth and lineup balance all spring, and those strengths now have to show up against Alabama’s staff. If the Longhorns can avoid another rocky start and get solid innings from Riojas or the relievers behind him, they have more than enough talent to extend their stay in Omaha.
Monday is a do-or-die chapter for a program with a record 39 College World Series appearances. One more loss and the Longhorns are packing for Austin. The elimination game will air on ESPN, with schedule details available through CBS Sports. Fans in Austin and across Longhorn Nation will soon find out whether this team can regroup fast enough to keep its title hopes alive.
