Baseball falls to 2-2 with 12-inning home loss to Stanford
By Steve Lansdale
AUSTIN, Texas — Four Texas Longhorn pitchers combined to allow just four hits and a single run through 12 innings, but that was not enough to knock off visiting Stanford, as three Cardinal pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout in a 1-0 victory over the Longhorns at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
With the loss, No. 23-ranked Texas fell to 2-2 on the season; Stanford improved to 4-1.
UT freshman Nolan Kingham was exceptional in his first college start, allowing just two hits and three walks in four and two-third innings. Relievers Travis Duke, Chase Shugart and Eric Dunbar each escaped without allowing a single hit, while Blake Wellman allowed just one over three stellar innings. Jon Malmin, the Longhorns’ fifth pitcher (out of six) in the game, allowed just one hit and struck out two, but also walked two and was charged with the game’s only (earned) run and took the loss.
Stanford starter Kris Bubic and Colton Hock were masterful on the mound, spreading out UT’s five hits over 10 innings. Freshman left fielder Tyler Rand was the only Longhorn with multiple hits (two), and also had his team’s only extra-base hit when he smacked a double and picked up his second stolen base of the young season.
Stanford third baseman Mikey Diekoroeger drove in the game’s only run in the 12th inning on a fielder’s choice.
The teams will return to Disch-Falk Field at 6:30 for a rematch. Sophomore Kyle Johnston is expected to start for UT, while the Cardinal is expected to start freshman Tristan Beck. The game will be broadcast on the Longhorn Network.
