Despite a very solid performance from a committee of Texas pitchers, the bats couldn't get it done yesterday in a 2-1 loss to Tech. Cole Green actually struggled some, giving up seven hits in five innings; but to his credit, he kept the score low and the Longhorns in the game by leaving with only a 2-0 deficit. The bullpen took over from there, combining to finish the game with four shutout innings. Hoby Milner actually tosses 1.1 innings, which means he's unlikely to simply switch places with today's starter Sam Stafford; i.e., a fifth pitcher will likely start Tuesday's game against UT-Pan Am. This could be an indicator that Augie feels like Stafford and Milner have both proven themselves effective starters and he wants to develop a fifth for the postseason. Or it could be an indicator of absolutely nothing.
In any event, Texas' offense was stymied by freshman Trey Masek, who entered the game with a 5.05 ERA but has put together two strong performances in a row--last week against the Aggies and yesterday against the Longhorns.Masek may simply be coming into his own as a college pitcher and those early numbers could fade into a distant memory if he keeps his game at this level. We say, good for him and good for Tech, whom he helped to pick up its first road win against a top-5 team in 10 years. John Neely tossed the final 2.2 innings for the Raiders, and worked out of trouble in the ninth.
Texas entered the final frame with a big fat goose egg, still down 2-0. Erich Weiss started it off with a single, and after an out Neely provided a pair of back-to-back walks to load the bases. Weiss scored on a groundout by Jordan Etier, and Tim Maitland drew yet another walk to load the bases again with two away. Needing a base hit to win it or a walk to tie, Brandon Loy grounded out to shortstop to end the game.
Over in Waco, the Bears helped us out with a 12-1 thumping of Little Brother to keep Texas and A&M tied atop the conference table. The Texas rubber game is available to watch online. First pitch is scheduled for 1 PM CDT.