Leadoff hitter Mark Payton had a big day offensively, going 3-4 with 2 RBI Saturday evening to give the Horns just enough offense to win the nightcap 5-3. Starting pitcher Hoby Milner gave up 3 runs (2 earned) in 5 innings and the Horns got excellent relief work from freshman Parker French (3 IP, 2 H, 2 K, 2 BB, 0 runs) and a perfect inning from Corey Knebel who picked up his second save on the young season. The Horns fell behind 2-0 early but responded immediately with 3 runs and never trailed after that. French picked up the game's biggest out, a bases loaded strikeout in the top of the 8th, which should be an encouraging sign for Longhorn fans everywhere.
We'll see another freshman pitcher on the mound today at noon as John Curtiss makes his Texas debut. Through two games the Horns have had 25 base runners but scored just 9 runs (sound familiar?), although the emergence of newbie Brooks Marlow and strong play of both CF Tim Maitland and RF Mark Payton suggests the Horns may have more offensive weapons than we were led to believe.
The Horns look to sweep Duke beginning at noon today on LHN. This'll be your open thread.
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2011 - 12 p.m. Central
Texas: RHP John Curtiss (Freshman)
Duke: RHP Robert Huber (4-1, 4.37 ERA)