From here on out every series is critical. Despite a pair of homers from Kyle Russell (that's 9 on the year now), Texas dropped its midweek game to UT-Arlington 4-3. The Horns have actually played pretty well in these patsy midweek games, so the loss to UTA brings no concern (other than the fact that Big Bird continues to suck).

Winning 2 of 3 this weekend is a must, and a sweep would be super. Augie is clearly switching up his pitching rotation, trying to find one that works. Freshman sensations Chance Ruffin and Brandon Workman will start Friday and Saturday. Regular Friday starter Austin Wood has now been relegated to Sunday.

Some notes ahead of the weekend:

Kyle Russell has HRs in 5 of the last 8 games and is within 8 HRs of tying the UT career record.

One Longhorn is within a hit of tying the longest hitting streak in UT history. At the risk of jinxing him, we've included below all 9 UT starters and their hitting streaks and let you decide who it is:

Torres, Michael -- 23
Danks, Jordan -- 1
Belt, Brandon -- 0
Moldenhauer, Russell -- 0
Russell, Kyle -- 2
Clark, Preston -- 0
Rupp, Cameron -- 0
Hernandez, David -- 2
Tucker, Travis -- 0

April 18, 2008 -- 6:00 PM
Texas: RHP Chance Ruffin (4-2, 2.01 ERA)
Oklahoma State: LHP Andrew Oliver (3-2, 2.50 ERA)

April 19, 2008 -- 2:00 PM
Texas: RHP Brandon Workman (4-2, 4.28 ERA)
Oklahoma State: LHP Tyler Lyons (6-2, 2.95 ERA)

April 20, 2008 -- 1:00 PM
Texas: LHP Austin Wood (2-2, 5.36 ERA)
Oklahoma State: RHP Tyler Blandford (3-3, 6.35 ERA)