Defensive struggles haunt Texas in 12-2 loss to Vanderbilt

It was a weekend to forget in Arlington for Texas baseball.

It was a weekend to forget in Arlington for Texas after falling in all three games to SEC competition. The Longhorns had more errors than hits in Sunday’s 12-2 loss to Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt jumped out to 8-0 lead in the second inning after four errors by the Texas middle infield. The Doors capitalized on the extra outs by launching a grand slam into the right-field seats.

Strikeouts continue to kill the Texas offense as the Longhorns look a step behind the fastball in the batters’ box. Eric Kennedy would hit a home run late but the game was already well out of hand.

Texas started the 2021 season with similar struggles at Globe Life Field before having an excellent season. The Longhorns hope to see improvement in a hurry in all aspects of the game.

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Texas Baseball: Predicting the 2023 opening day lineup

Dylan Campbell and Eric Kennedy lead the 2023 Longhorns.

Texas begins the 2023 season at Globe Life Field in Arlington this weekend at the College Baseball Showdown. The Longhorns face a bit of a reset year after losing significant production to the MLB draft and two assistant coaches.

While replacing everything Texas lost after last year is a difficult task, the Horns have some exciting players primed for impact seasons.

Outfielder Dylan Campbell broke out down the stretch last season. He worked his way into the starting lineup by hitting .320 in Big 12 play and finished with 10 home runs. Campbell’s postseason heroics helped lead Texas to another College World Series trip.

Eric Kennedy is back for his senior season to pair with Campbell in the outfield. Kennedy has been a mainstay in Texas’ lineup the past three seasons. The speedster looks to go out with a bang in his final season as a Longhorn.

The infield consists of returners Mitchell Daly and Jack O’Dowd up the middle and the freshman duo of Jalin Flores and Jared Thomas at the corners. USC transfer Garret Guillemette is likely to start behind the plate.

Here is a prediction of what Texas’ lineup is going to look like as it takes the field against Arkansas on Friday night.

Texas Baseball: David Pierce announces weekend pitching rotation

Lucas Gordon gets the ball on Friday night.

Texas opens the 2023 college baseball season this weekend with a trip to Arlington for the College Baseball Showdown.

The Longhorns take on future SEC foes Arkansas, Missouri and Vanderbilt to start the new year.

Texas is going to be a new-look squad after sending eight players to the 2022 MLB Draft. David Pierce announced the expected pitching rotation we will see on opening weekend.

  • Friday: LHP Lucas Gordon
  • Saturday: RHP Zane Morehouse
  • Sunday: RHP Travis Sthele 

Lucas Gordon gets the ball on Friday night after a breakout campaign in 2022. Gordon provided much-needed stability in the rotation last season after the injury to Tanner Witt in March. He held a 7-2 record and a team-best 3.16 ERA.

Morehouse is a high-upside arm who took big strides in the offseason. He started six games holding a 6.00 ERA last year. Morehouse brings in a mid-90s fastball with a wipeout slider to the mound. Control and consistency are two keys for the righty this spring.

Sthele is a player who gained some experience in big moments for the Longhorns down the stretch last season. He made starts in the Big 12 Tournament championship and Austin Regional final.

Here is a look at the schedule for the College Baseball Showdown:

  • Feb. 17: Arkansas, 8 p.m. ET
  • Feb. 18: Missouri, 4 p.m. ET 
  • Feb. 19: Vanderbilt, 11:30 a.m. ET

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Texas Baseball: Anticipation builds toward opener against Arkansas

Texas baseball sets out to prove legitimacy in Arlington starting February 17.

There are eight days until Texas Longhorns baseball. The season starts off with a bang. Continue reading “Texas Baseball: Anticipation builds toward opener against Arkansas”