Texas hosts Abilene Christian

Texas Longhorns baseball is back in their groove after sweeping the Cal Fullerton Titans in a three-game series last weekend, earning a No. 22 ranking in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

Now, roughly midway through Texas’ nine-game homestand, the Longhorns (13-3) will take on the Abilene Christian Wildcats (7-7), who have lost all but two games since the first of their series against the Youngstown State Penguins on Feb. 27. It’ll be the first time the two programs meet, as Abilene Christian recently began competing at the Division I level about seven years ago and is in only its third season of full eligibility to qualify for the postseason.

Texas’ pitching staff is expected to keep their hot streak going. Over three games against Cal Fullerton, Texas pitchers compiled a 1.67 ERA while holding Cal Fullerton to a stubborn .179 batting average. That effort was mostly led by Bryce Elder and Ty Madden, both of whom have combined for a 2.28 ERA with 84 strikeouts over the course of 79 innings.

If their history on the diamond this year rings true, expect the Longhorns to come out swinging the bat as well as they have all season so far. So far this year, senior outfielder Austin Todd, junior outfielder Duke Ellis and sophomore outfielder Eric Kennedy have boosted themselves as the Longhorns’ top hitters. Todd currently leads Texas with a .368 batting average with 14 RBIs and 13 runs scored. Ellis is batting .308 with 11 runs scored and seven stolen bases. And Kennedy is batting a .304 with 13 RBIs and nine runs scored.

Sophomore right hander Kolby Kubichek (1-1, 4.76) is expected to be on the mound for the Longhorns. Freshman right hander Johnnie Krawietz (0-0, 3.12) is expected to start opposite of him for the Penguins.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin.

The game will be available on Longhorn Network. Listen in at 104.9 The Horn.