No. 1 Texas Baseball second straight shutout against Alabama, 2-0
AUSTIN, Texas — On a cold rainy day in Austin, Texas that caused an hour delayed start, Texas Baseball shutout Alabama again on Saturday 2-0 to mark the fourth shutout of the season in seven games, two of those back-to-back against Alabama.
Senior right-hander #35 Tristan Stevens faced 22 batters in six innings, threw 92 pitches, struck out four, and allowed four hits. Alabama came close to scoring, tying, and taking the lead in the sixth as Alabama senior Drew Williamson singled, then Zane Denton singled to left, advancing Williamson to second.
At that point, the coach walked out to the mound to chat with Stevens who then turned to ice facing Alabama sophomore #21 Andrew Pinckeny who eventually grounded out after facing 10 pitches of which he fouled seven.
The seventh inning freshman #53 Luke Harrison, from Friendswood, Texas, relieved Stevens and faced 11 batters, threw 43 pitches, allowed one hit, and struck out 4 to get the save and Texas the win 2-0.
The game ended when centerfielder Douglas Hodo III caught a deep ball almost to the warning track for the final out. Hodo III is related (cousin) to Alabama freshman Will Hodo who did not see play.
The day was cold and cloudy with a light drizzle that kept many fans away. The fans that who did attend bundled up, some under their burnt orange Longhorns rain ponchos and some sharing a large thick blanket between them. Fans covered their heads with HookEm head gear. We saw groups of friends, couples, and families at the game.
During the rain delay there we witnessed a great moment when a dad walked out from the concessions area, stood behind the seats at home plate with his son to take in the sights for several minutes. No players on the field, the mound was still covered, and the son turned to the dad and smiled then walked back to cover.
Texas hosts Alabama for the third and final in a series on Sunday 1 p.m. under sunny skies and a high of 59 degrees for the game.
