Longhorns cruise past East Carolina 11-1 to advance to College World Series

(Photo: Texas Baseball)

By: @Cameron Cormier

Greenville, NC -- The Longhorns delivered in all phases in a winner takes all, game three finale against the East Carolina Pirates. Texas scored four runs in the first before a near six hour weather delay. The 'Horns were able to resume their offensive domination to the tune of five more runs in the second to secure the victory while Tristan Stevens battled his way through 6 innings on the mound.

The Longhorns established a first inning lead for the third day in a row. Ivan Melendez smashed his 32nd homer of the season to drive in three runs while Skyler Messinger continued his brilliance with an RBI single to left, giving the 'Horns a 4-0 lead.

After the skies cleared and play resumed, Texas picked up where they left off. Trey Faltine led off in the second with a single and Douglas Hodo followed with a bunt single. Eric Kennedy drove in Faltine with an RBI single up the middle and Murphy Stehly followed with a 2-run single. Austin Todd hit a sacrifice fly to bring in a run to extend the Texas lead to 9-1.

The middle innings were rather quiet until Trey Faltine crushed his 15th homer of the season. A solo shot to left field that disappeared into the trees. Silas Ardoin joined him with his 12th homer of the season, a ninth inning solo shot to right field to finalize an 11-1 Longhorns victory.

Tristan Stevens pitched with heart and once again showed up in a do-or-die game for the 'Horns. Stevens pitched six complete innings, allowing only one run while striking out five batters. Travis Sthele and Jared Southard finished out the game to punch the Longhorns ticket to Omaha.

Texas will open the College World Series on Friday against Notre Dame.

Game Stats:

Melendez: (1-4) 1 HR, 1 BB, 3 RBI

Messinger: (3-5) 2 RBI

Stehly: (1-3) 1 2B, 2 RBI