Texas Beats Stanford 9-3

It's been 1078 days since Texas last beat Stanford. And sure this isn't the same Stanford squad that embarrassed Texas in 2012 and solidly swept the Horns in 2013, but Friday night's 9-3 win over the Cardinal had a definite cathartic feel to it. Of course it'll only truly feel cathartic if the Horns can win at least one of the next two, so Texas has its work cut out for it.

The key play on Friday came in the 2nd inning when Brooks Marlow struck out. Both teams had threatened in the 1st and had a 1-1 tie to show for it. Marlow swung at a pitch in the dirt but made it to first safely when the catcher couldn't find the ball at his feet. Mark Payton made them pay with a rocket to right center that resulted in a triple and the rout was on. CJ Hinojosa followed with a single, Kacy Clemens walked, Andy McGuire singled and Jeremy Montalbano doubled to give Texas a 6-1 lead.

Stanford made it interesting in the 8th when they scored a pair of runs to make it 7-3, but newly-minted closer Nathan Thornhill slammed the door shut and the Horns went on for the 9-3 win. Payton finished the day 4-5, bringing his average on the season to .577 through six games. Zane Gurwitz and Montalbano both had a pair of hits and Parker French got his first win of the season with six strong innings.

It has now taken Texas six games to put up five or more runs offensively, a feat they didn't accomplish until their 12th game a year ago. The offensive explosion of the last four games is great, but the Horns will have to keep up this pace for quite some time before anybody believes they are a capable offensive club.

It'll be Dillon Peters on the mound today as Texas goes for the series win at 2 PM. Game is on LHN and this can be your open thread.