No. 9 Texas baseball could not ask for a better start to the NCAA Tournament. The Longhorns took down Paul Skenes and Air Force 11-3, saving relief pitcher Tristan Stevens in the process.
Texas was able to force the Falcons to the bullpen in the fifth inning by taking excellent at-bats and working deep into many counts. Skyler Messinger had a huge day at the plate, going 4-5 with three RBI. The third baseman broke the game open with a bases loaded RBI single in the fifth.
HE DID IT AGAIN!@MessingerSkye smokes a single to left with the bases loaded and it’s 5-2 Texas!#HookEm pic.twitter.com/WApoMrmO08
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) June 3, 2022
Texas’ offense would keep the foot on the gas all game, finishing with 11 runs on 12 hits.
Pete Hansen brought his prototypal ace stuff on Friday. The lefty held down Air Force’s powerful offense to just three runs in 6.2 innings pitched. Marcus Olivarez and Coy Cobb provided strong innings of relief to close the door.
Texas is on to the winner’s bracket and will face the winner of Louisiana Tech and Dallas Baptist on Saturday night.
BALLGAME!@peterhansen33 goes 6.2 strong, @MessingerSkye tallies 4 hits and 3 RBI, and Texas wins the regional opener with an 11-3 dub over Air Force!#HookEm pic.twitter.com/H3Bya0h702
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) June 3, 2022
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