Texas baseball loses fifth straight conference game

Texas baseball continued their free fall from not so great heights this weekend, dropping two straight to West Virginia. It's the second straight series Texas has lost, and their fifth straight Big 12 defeat. On Friday, Texas tied the most runs they've given up all season, losing 2-11. The next day, the Longhorns allowed 14 runs, the most they've given up since 2012. Texas has now been outscored 16-42 in their last five conference games after run ruling Texas Tech 17-1.

I wrote on Friday that Texas' series this weekend versus West Virginia would come down to pitching. After two games, only one of Texas' ten pitchers has not given up a run on the stats sheet. That would be Jake McKenzie, who pitched for two outs in the bottom of the 8th inning on Saturday.

Both the starters and relievers have had their hands full trying to stop West Virginia's offense. Ty Culbreth replicated his poor outing last weekend by giving up six earned runs in 4.1 innings Saturday, a career worst for him. Relief pitchers Travis Duke, Blake Wellman, and Nolan Kingham each allowed three runs, and only threw for a combined four innings.

Texas has also had trouble hitting and fielding this series. The Longhorns have been outhit by 15 so far and have four errors, many of which were untimely. On Saturday, Texas was tied 6-6 in the 6th inning with two outs when Kody Clemens made a throwing error. This ultimately resulted in two runs being scored later in the inning. Tres Barrera later replaced Clemens at third base.

At this rate, it's unlikely, but possible that Texas could miss the Big 12 tournament altogether. At 9-11, Texas is one of five bottom Big 12 teams with 11 or 12 losses. However, only one team is left out of the tournament, and Texas is in much better shape than 6-12 Baylor or 5-11 Kansas.

Texas' statistically worst season in the modern era was in 1998, when the Longhorns went 23-32-1. It was Augie Garrido's second season. Now, in what may be Augie's second to last season, Texas finds themselves at 21-26. They'll have a chance for 22 wins tomorrow at noon, when they will try to avoid their second straight sweep.

You can catch the game at 104.9 the Horn, or you can not watch it if it will make you feel better.