The Longhorns didn't make it easy on themselves, but they walked off with a win over Texas State in the bottom of the ninth in today's first game to keep their season alive. In order to advance to a super regional, Texas will now have to beat Kent State tonight at 6:30 and again tomorrow. It's an uphill battle, but there's no reason to believe they can't get it done.
The biggest story from this ballgame was that Cole Green was simply masterful. He made one mistake, giving up a two-run homer in the top of the fourth, but other than that the Bobcats barely threatened him. The bottom of the eighth and top of the ninth were forgettable for Texas, as Cohl Walla was thrown out at the plate while trying to score an insurance run and then a Jacob Felts overthrow on a stolen base attempt allowed the Bobcats' tying run to get to third. A sac fly scored that one, but Texas quickly made good in the bottom of the ninth. A drag bunt by Tim Maitland started the frame, and Brandon Loy moved him over to second with a sac. Texas State then intentionally walked Erich Weiss and then went to their ace, Carson Smith--who had started on Friday. He proceeded to unintentionally walk Montalbano. Kevin Lusson then blasted a deep shot to right field, which bounced on the warning track to score Maitland for the winning run.
Texas collected 14 hits on the day, stranding most of those runners. That number is still very encouraging, though, as they'll need every ounce of offense they can muster tonight against Kent State's third excellent starter, David Starn. Starn sports a sick 1.95 ERA, though opponents have hit .235 against him (as compared to .189 against last night's starter, Andrew Chafin). In order to force a game tomorrow, Texas will have to be smart and disciplined at the plate and Hoby Milner will have to outduel Starn. It should be a good one. Video is here.
This will be your open thread-slash-Texas State postgame celebration thread. Hook 'em!