Run rule sees Longhorns handle Houston Baptist in 7 frames, 13-3

Photo Credit: Texas Baseball

Austin, TX -- The Huskies of Houston Baptist (18-27) made their way to Disch-Falk Field for a mid-week matchup with the Longhorns (31-16, 9-9). An early lead from the 'Horns gave them command of the game through the night.

The Longhorns started fast with two perfect bunts down the 3rd base line from Douglas Hodo and Ace Whitehead, followed by a 2-RBI double from Ivan Melendez to drive them in. Murphy Stehly then smashed a 2-run homer out of left field that gave Texas a 4-0 lead.

Houston Baptist crept within a run in the 3rd and 4th innings with a couple of RBI singles and a bases-loaded walk. However, it was all Longhorns from then on out.

The bottom of the 4th saw the 'Horns add two more runs on the board. Melendez led off with a single to left, followed by a single up the middle from Stehly.  Silas Ardoin reached first and scored Melendez on a fielder's choice error after a bobbled catch from the Huskies' shortstop. A groundout from Messinger advanced runners to 2nd and 3rd, followed with a walk from Kimble Schuessler that loaded the bases. Trey Faltine continued with a full count walk that brought in Ardoin and extended the Texas lead to 6-3.

The Longhorns stayed busy in the 5th inning, extending their lead by 10 runs. The Huskies put themselves in an early hole by hitting three of the first six batters with two of those scoring a run, along with a bases-loaded walk to drive in Melendez. Schuessler followed with a single to right field that drove in Ardoin.  A wild pitch to Faltine scored Skyler Messinger, while Faltine hit a sacrifice fly out that scored Mitchell Daly. Ace Whitehead then ripped an RBI double down the third base line that scored Schuessler to finalize a 13-3 lead for the 'Horns.

The game ended on a 10-run rule that went into effect after LeBarron Johnson Jr. struck out two batters along with a groundout at the top of the 7th.

The Longhorns featured seven different pitchers with an emphasis on keeping fresh arms. Zane Morehouse drew the start and win, facing the minimum over two frames with 27 pitches and two strikeouts. 

Texas has an important series this weekend with regard to Big 12 standings. They head to Morgantown for a showdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers (26-16, 9-6). The series begins Friday, May 6th at 5:30 PM and will air on ESPN+.

GAME STATS:

Ivan Melendez: 3H, 2RBI, 3R
Ace Whitehead: 3H, 1RBI, 2R
Murphy Stehly: 2H, 2RBI, 2R

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