Bednar dazzles as Bulldogs beat Longhorns 2-1 in CWS Opener

[HornSports Staff]

Photo: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State starting pitcher Will Bednar fanned 15 Texas batters and the Longhorns' late rally wasn't enough.

OMAHA, Neb. – Bulldog starting pitcher Will Bednar pitched a masterful game, striking out fifteen and stymying the Longhorn offense in the College World Series opener for both teams. 

Texas managed just one hit off Bednar and struck out fifteen times before Bednar was replaced by Mississippi State closer Landon Sims.  Sims managed to strike out six but the Longhorns attempted a late rally in the 9th when Mike Antico led off the inning with a solo home run to right field.  With two outs, Ivan Melendez walked, and Cam Williams ripped a single into center field to put runners at the corners.  Douglas Hodo grounded out to second base to end the game.

While the Mississippi State pitching staff gets most of the attention for the win, Texas starter Ty Madden did his job as well.  Madden pitched seven innings and struck out ten, giving up four hits and two runs (both in the fourth inning).  Pete Hansen relieved Madden and gave up just one hit in two innings pitched.

The Longhorns fall into the loser's bracket and will next play Tennessee on Tuesday  at 1:00 PM at TD Ameritrade Park.  These two teams have previously met twice before, with the Volunteers winning both games (2008 and 2012 at the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park).