Texas broke open a 2-2 tie with five runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by a Russell Moldenhauer grand slam, to take their second straight win over Oklahoma State. Moldenhauer's one-out shot to right field gave Texas a 6-2 lead; Nick People's followed Moldenhauer's blast with a homer of his own to extend the lead to the final margin, 7-2.
Adrian Alaniz struggled early again today, but like last week in Lincoln, the junior righty got things on track. Alaniz lasted just 6 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and walking four, but he got the outs he needed to after allowing two runs to score in the first. Alaniz is now 11-2 on the season.
Game ball goes to Moldenhauer, who finished 3-for-5 with three runs scored and four RBIs. A big hat tip also to Joseph Krebs, who worked in relief for the second straight game. Like yesterday's outstanding performance, Krebs got huge strikeouts to help preserve Texas' win, this time recording all three of his outs via the strikeout.
Only one minor gripe from this game: In the decisive fifth inning, Texas led off the inning with back-to-back singles by Jordan Danks and Chance Wheeless. With runners on first and second base and nobody out, Kyle Russell, the nation's leading home run hitter, came to the plate. Augie called for a sacrifice bunt.
I know this gripe is not a popular one with some of you, but that's equivalent of asking Albert Pujols to lay one down when you've got a big inning brewing. I won't drone on about it endlessly, but it bears mentioning.
As noted, though, it's a minor gripe. After Russell's bunt, Bradley Suttle was intentionally walked and Moldenhauer hit the big home run. The Longhorns have won both games in Stillwater in impression fashion, the bullpen is coming together, and the Longhorns continue to distance themselves from the Big 12 pack.
Box score from the game is available for viewing after the jump.
--PB--
